The GlenDronach is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, creating their finest richly sherried single malts for nearly 200 years. Located near Forgue, by Huntly, Aberdeenshire, in the Highland whisky district, has a rich and storied history that begins back in 1771 when the Glen House, originally called Boynsmill, was built. It was later renamed by James Allardice when the distillery was founded in 1826, making it one of the first licensed distilleries in Scotland. Throughout the years, the distillery changed ownership several times, with notable moments including being bought over by Walter Scott in the 1830s, becoming the largest duty paying distillery in the Scottish Highlands in the 1860s and being acquired by Captain Charles Grant in 1920. In 1960, the distillery was purchased by William Teacher & Sons, who expanded the number of stills from two to four. However, in 1996, the distillery was mothballed for a period of time before being re-opened in 2002. The ownership changed hands again in 2005 when Chivas Brothers took over and the distillery converted to steam heating, marking a significant shift in its production process. In 2008, the distillery was taken over by the BenRiach Distillery Company Ltd., marking a significant milestone in its history. This acquisition sparked the beginning of the Glendronach renaissance, bringing new opportunities and developments to the distillery. The year 2015 brought great honour to the BenRiach Distillery Company, with the recognition of being named Global Whisky Distiller of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards. This achievement was particularly remarkable for a small privately-owned independent company. In 2016, Brown-Forman Corporation took over, bringing three outstanding Single Malt Scotch Whisky brands – The GlenDronach, BenRiach and Glenglassaugh – into its growing whiskey portfolio. This acquisition marked a significant milestone for the distillery’s legacy.
At the heart of The Glendronach’s craft are time-honoured traditions and handcrafted techniques that have been perfected over nearly two centuries. The distillery’s methods, including the use of soft Highland water and Scottish malted barley, reflect a dedication to quality and authenticity. The hallmark of The Glendronach’s craft lies in the marriage of robust Highland spirit with the finest Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucia in Spain. This exquisite duality brings exceptional depth, complexity and character to the whiskies. The slow and carefully attended process, from milling to distillation to maturation, is a testament to the meticulous craft and dedication of the distillery team. The slow maturation process, overseen by the dedicated distillery team and expertly selected and married by Master Blender Rachel Barrie, results in expressions known worldwide for their exceptional depth, complexity and character. The distillery’s focus on the selection and nurture of Spanish oak sherry casks reflects a commitment to creating whiskies of unparalleled quality and flavour.
The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch series represents the epitome of unadulterated Sherry cask excellence and the demand for this incredibly rich and velvety elixir is soaring. It’s common knowledge that The GlenDronach excels in the art of Sherry cask maturation and they have remained unwavering in their dedication to producing sumptuously Sherried single malts using traditional techniques handed down through nearly two centuries. Matured at a leisurely pace in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks and bottled directly from the cask at 58.2% ABV, this heavily Sherry-influenced powerhouse is overflowing with flavors of raisin-laden fruit cake, zesty Seville orange peel, cherry liqueur and decadent dark chocolate tiramisu. Each sip reveals an unfathomable depth of full-bodied complexity and elegance, showcasing the artistry of The GlenDronach’s time-honored craftsmanship.
Prepare to be enchanted by The Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 12 Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml, boasting a deep bronze colour and a captivating array of aromas and flavours that promise a truly indulgent tasting experience. The deep bronze hue sets the stage for a nose rich with the fusion of mocha and creamy cappuccino, interlaced with notes of orange, raisin-filled fruit cake, cherry liqueur and the subtle allure of sandalwood. The palate unfolds with a luxurious wave of velvety spice, unveiling the essence of dark chocolate tiramisu adorned with flamed Seville orange peel, toasted almond and crystallized ginger. The finish delivers an indulgent encore, as amaretto-laced mocha, morello cherry and sultana gracefully linger atop an opulent caramelized crème brûlée, leaving a lasting impression of sophistication and indulgence.
The Finer Details
Style – Scotch Whisky
Country – Scotland
Region – Highland
Bottle Size – 700ml
ABV – 58.2%