Introduction
I had been curious about Glendronach’s limited releases in their “Ode” series, particularly the one called Ode to the Embers. As a long-time admirer of Glendronach's richly sherried style, I was intrigued by the promise of smoke – a rare trait for the distillery. Knowing it came from peated spirit sparked even more interest. I finally got my hands on a bottle and sat down with no expectations, just a quiet evening, ready to see how this peat-meets-sherry experiment turned out.
Nose
Right from the first swirl, the nose offered a confident presence. There’s a core of classic raisin and fig richness I associate with Glendronach’s sherry casks, but it’s overlaid with a distinct earthy smoke – not overwhelming, but firmly placed. I found notes of old leather, burnt orange peels, and distant campfire ashes. Then came subtler layers: damp tobacco, cracked black pepper, and just a flicker of roasted nuts. It’s smoky, yes, but it plays nicely with the darker, sweeter tones.
Palate
The palate is dense and chewy, with an oily texture that sticks around. First in are the spices – cinnamon, clove, and a bit of cracked red chili – followed quickly by dried cherries and plum jam. The peat pushes through more assertively here, not in an Islay way, but with a dry, mineral edge. Mid-palate, the wood influence comes alive with espresso bitterness and sharp charred oak. But the sweetness balances it – think molasses and date syrup. It’s bold and layered, not for casual sipping but very rewarding if you give it time.
Finish
The finish is long and drying, with a lingering spice and smoke combination. What stayed with me the most was the interplay of charred wood and fruitcake sweetness. There’s also a saline note that emerges late, giving it a kind of savoury edge that I really appreciated. As the minutes rolled by, I could still catch hints of dark chocolate and singed herbs. It doesn’t vanish quickly – it leaves a footprint.
Price and Value
Given the limited nature of the release and the complexity it offers, I’d say the price is justified. It’s clearly crafted with care, and for fans of both peat and sherry, it feels like a unique intersection. It won’t appeal to everyone – especially not those looking for something light or strictly Speyside-smooth – but within its niche, it delivers real substance.
Background
Ode to the Embers is part of a trio released by The Glendronach, each one showcasing a different facet of the distillery’s character. This expression is based on a batch of peated spirit – rare for Glendronach, which traditionally distils unpeated whisky. It was matured fully in Spanish sherry casks, which brings out the usual dried fruit and spice notes, but overlaid this time with a slow-burning peat element. It's bottled at cask strength (around 56.2% ABV, in my bottle’s case), non-chill filtered, and natural colour – all key plus points for me.
The concept behind the "Ode" series seems to be about showcasing distinct personalities from within the distillery’s range, and Embers certainly takes Glendronach into unusual territory.
Final Notes
Would I pick up this bottle again? Absolutely – though more as a companion to a contemplative evening than a casual pour. It’s a whisky you want to sit with, slowly. If you’re new to Glendronach, this likely isn’t your starting point – the peat and high ABV make it more suited to someone who already enjoys bolder drams.
That said, if you're a Highland drinker curious about how peat can integrate with sherry cask richness, it's worth seeking out. Compared to other Highland peated malts, this feels richer and more dessert-leaning, thanks to the full sherry maturation. For me, it worked best after a heavy meal, or as a nightcap to wind down a winter evening.
How does it rank among recent Glendronach releases? I’d say it stands apart more than above or below – not better, just distinct. It’s not trying to be another Revival or Parliament; it’s telling a different story.