Introduction I’d been meaning to revisit the Glendronach 21 Year Old, often referred to as “Parliament” after the rooks that nest near the distillery. A lot of sherried whiskies come across my glass, but few with this kind of maturity and accessible price point. I was curious to see how this expression balanced its long ageing and bold cask influence without becoming too dry or too heavy. Nose As soon as I brought the glass up, there was a deep richness that revealed its sherry-soaked heritage. Notes of stewed plums and raisins rose first, followed by a darker layer of walnut and old leather. There's a noticeable hint of bitter chocolate and roasted espresso beans. It’s a nose that feels grounded, not overly perfumed, but detailed and steady. With a bit of time, some soft tobacco and orange peel came through, adding complexity without veering off course. Palate On the palate, it began with a silky texture, coating the mouth gently but thoroughly. The initial taste delivered sweet dried fruit – figs and dates, mainly – but also dark toffee and a subtle wood spice that reminded me of clove and cinnamon. It leans heavily into its Oloroso sherry casks, which bring that expected depth and dryness, but I also caught a surprising brightness in the mid-palate – something like redcurrant or black cherry that kept things from becoming too dense. Through the sip, a balance emerged between sweet richness and a mature, earthy oak bitterness. Finish The finish stretched out nicely – not explosive, just enduring and consistent. It faded slowly but deliberately with flavours of dark chocolate, worn oak, and a little leather and dry spice. There’s warmth, but no harsh burn. That dark fruit from the palate lingers, joined by a mild roasted nut bitterness that I quite liked. Clean, mature, and not trying too hard. Price and Value Considering this bottle has spent 21 years in predominantly Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks, there’s good value here for lovers of sherried malts. It doesn't rely on gimmicks or packaging – the focus is clearly on the whisky. If you enjoy that well-aged Highland style with heavy sherry character, I think it's fairly priced for what it offers in both complexity and maturity. Background This expression comes from The Glendronach Distillery, situated in the Eastern Highlands. Known for its commitment to traditional Highland sherried single malts, Glendronach has a reputation built on robust cask influence and patient ageing. The 21 Year Old is matured in a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, which contributes to the dark fruit and spice profile. It’s bottled at 48% ABV and is non-chill filtered, which likely helps preserve some of that full-bodied character and texture. Final Notes Would I pick up this bottle again? Absolutely – especially for moments when I want something that feels grounded, matured, and quietly confident. I’d say it’s best suited to drinkers who already enjoy sherried styles; it might be a bit too intense for complete beginners, though it’s not unapproachable by any means. If you’re familiar with younger Glendronach releases like the 15 or 18 Year Old, you’ll find the 21 sits in a deeper, more refined place with more emphasis on dry spice and oak structure. If you’re wondering whether this beats some other Highland malts in its age range – for me, it comes down to whether that dry sherry character speaks to your palate. Personally, I find it holds its ground very well.