Introduction I'd had my eye on this bottle for a while. The reputation of 21-year-old sherried Highland whiskies always pulls me in, especially from distilleries like Glendronach that are known for sticking close to traditional methods. I picked up a bottle of their 21-Year-Old Parliament release expecting deep sherry richness and refined age character. I took my time slowly getting to know it over several tastings, and each session brought something slightly new to the table. Nose Right off the pour, the aroma is bold and unmistakably sherried. Raisins and dark fruits dominate – think plump prunes, figs, and a hint of cherry. As it opens up, there’s a subtle layer of polished oak, aged leather, and tobacco, which give the whisky a real sense of maturity. There’s also this delicate nuttiness – like roasted hazelnuts – that adds a nice depth alongside a faint touch of cinnamon. It has that dry fruitcake character I tend to associate with longer-aged whiskies that spent their life in oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks. Palate On the palate, it’s full-bodied and mouth-coating. The sherry influence carries through strongly, but it’s not overdone. There’s a dark chocolate bitterness that balances out the richer fruit elements. Stewed plums and dates take the lead, with some wood spice showing up in the form of clove and black pepper. The oak is present but not aggressive – it frames the whisky without tipping it into dryness. A bit of orange peel and coffee bitterness appears mid-palate, giving it a layered complexity that rewards a slower sip. Finish The finish is long and slow. There’s some residual spice – mostly nutmeg and dry cinnamon – mingling with sweet tobacco and a gentle leathery note. It fades gradually, leaving behind a lingering warmth that makes you want to sit back and reflect. No unwanted bitterness or sharpness here—just a well-aged whisky coming into its own. Price and Value This isn’t a cheap bottle these days, especially considering the steady rise in age-stated single malts, but I do think its quality holds up to the price. You’re getting a real sherry-forward dram with over two decades in oak, and that comes through clearly in the glass. It’s not something I’d call an everyday pour, but for those slow evenings—or when you want something with gravitas—it earns its place. Background Glendronach is found in the Highlands, near Aberdeenshire, and it’s long been known for its full-bodied, sherry-cask matured whiskies. The 21-Year-Old Parliament release is a nod to the 'parliament' of rooks that nest in the distillery grounds. It’s matured in both Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks, which gives it that unmistakable dried fruit and spice character. The distillery closed for a period in the 90s and earlier 2000s, so this bottling contains some stock from before and after that shutdown. You can read more about the distillery at the official Glendronach Distillery website. Final Notes Would I buy this bottle again? Probably yes—though not immediately. It's the kind of whisky I’d want to keep around for colder nights or when I want to indulge in something that feels substantial. If you’re new to whisky or sherry-matured expressions, this might come across as fairly intense. In that case, trying something younger or less sherried first is a good move. In terms of atmosphere, this suits an unhurried evening. It’s not a whisky I’d reach for in company where I’m not paying attention to what I’m drinking. Compared to other Highland whiskies, this one leans far more into rich, dried fruit and spice, whereas many others are lighter and more floral. And if you're wondering whether the 21 years really shine through—yes, they do. The nose and palate both carry that sense of age, and the balance between cask influence and spirit development feels well judged.