The GlenDronach

Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Written by Brian Donnelly, CSS, WSET III

Parent Company: Brown-Forman

Distillery Location: Huntly, Valley of Forgue, Highland, Scotland

Established: 1826

Master Blender: Rachel Barrie

Category: Single Malt Scotch

Fun Fact: The oldest whisky at the distillery was distilled in 1971.

History

Founded in 1826 by entrepreneur James Allardice, the Glendronach® Distillery is located in the valley of Forgue, in the eastern Highlands, and is considered one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Glendronach®, which translates to “Valley of the Brambles,” has crafted a true signature Highland style over the last 200 years. This unique style is heavy and robust, and ages well for long periods in sherry casks. The distillery still carries on their founder’s tradition of maturing whisky in the finest sherry casks available on the market. The Glendronach® is proud to marry the heritage of Highland style whisky with the Spanish skill of sherry production.

A collection of rooks (also known as a parliament), a bird in the crow family, have attempted to nest in the warehouses of the Glendronach® Distillery for over 200 years. The employees consider this good luck and believe that as long as the rooks remain at the distillery it will be good for the whisky. The brand was purchased in 2016 by Brown Forman, along with BenRiach® and Glenglassaugh®.

Grain

100% Malted Barley

Distillation

The copper pot stills at GlenDronach® have a unique swan neck shape and descending Lyne arm, which allows very little distillate to the back. This captures a more robust spirit, resulting in a richer Highland style.

Maturation

Glendronach® uses a combination of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks to mature all their whisky. Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso are two different styles of sherry, a fortified wine from Andalusia in south-central Spain. Pedro Ximénez (PX) grapes, named for the varietal, are left out in the sun to dry, which results in an intensely sweet style of Sherry. While Oloroso Sherry is aged in the cask and becomes dark and heavy.

GlenDronach 12 Year Original

This expression is matured for at least 12 years in a combination of the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez (PX) and Oloroso sherry casks. This expression is non-chill filtered and natural in color.

86 Proof (43% ABV)

GlenDronach 15 Year Revival

This expression was relaunched in 2018, and is now staple in the core range. The Revival is a marriage of Pedro Ximénez (PX) Oloroso Sherry casks, all matured for at least 15 years.

More full bodied at this age compared to 12 Year old.  The most mellow, refined, and elegant of the range with notes of chocolate and dates. More velvet into the finish where older expressions start to become more oily in finish. 92 Proof (46% ABV).

GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice

This expression is named for founder James Allardice, and matured in the finest Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. This expression is non-chill filtered and natural in color.

92 Proof (46% ABV)

GlenDronach Peated

This expression is distilled using malted barley, which has been dried using Highland peat, this whisky has been matured in Ex-Bourbon barrels and then a second period of maturation in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks, with all natural color coming from the barrel.

92 Proof (46% ABV)

The contents, statements, and thoughts expressed on this site are purely my own and do not officially represent the opinions of any supplier, brand, or distillery. All brand names are the official copy right of their respective parent company, and I do not own the right to any of the included brands on this website. Any mistakes made on this website are purely my own.

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