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Glendronach is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland producing single malt whiskey with an original flavor characteristic of the East Highlands. The factory was among the first to use Spanish sherry casks for aging. The brand is owned by a private company, BenRiach Ltd, which has received many international awards for its achievements in the industry.
Historical information
The GlenDronach distillery was founded in 1826 in the town of Huntly in the northeast of Scotland. The company was one of the first to obtain a license for the legal production of alcohol. The plant workers and their families lived near the enterprise, the houses of that time have survived to this day. The company’s products were in demand due to the special taste that the whiskey acquired during aging in Spanish sherry casks.
The owners of the enterprise changed frequently, and in 1996 the lines were stopped for as long as five years. The year of the second birth of GlenDronach was 2008. The distillery was acquired by BenRiach Ltd, one of the most recognized alcohol producers in Scotland. The new owners have invested a lot of money in the modernization of equipment, fully preserving the special flavor of drinks. In 2015, BenRiach was named Distiller of the Year at the World Whiskeys Awards.
Production features
Whiskey production technology has remained unchanged for about two hundred years. Barley is prepared in the building of an old malt house, and pine containers are used to boil the wort. Copper equipment is used for distillation. The strong drink undergoes many years of aging in sherry casks, the selection of which is given special attention at the factory. GlenDronach believes that the aroma is 70% dependent on the quality of the wood. The company produces about three dozen types of products, which are divided into the main line and limited editions.
Awards
IWSC, London:
- 2016 – gold medal;
- 2017 – bronze and 2 silver medals;
- 2018 – silver and gold medals.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition, San Francisco:
- 2017 – silver and gold medals, double gold;
- 2018 – 2 silver medals, gold medal, double gold;
- World Whiskeys Awards London 2017, 2018 – Gold Award.
Interesting Facts
Near the GlenDronach plant, there is a large population of rooks, which have become a kind of mascot for the company. The company believes that as long as the birds remain at the distillery, whiskey will be excellent.
GlenDronach has a visitor center that offers visitors two types of tours, one of which includes a tasting of six of the most famous whiskeys.
Types of whiskey Glendronach
GlenDronach The Hielan’ aged 8 years, 46%
Aged in bourbon and sherry casks for 8 years, where it acquires an amber color with copper reflections. The aroma smells of orange flowers, citrus fruits and raisins. The rich flavor range combines oak, nutty and chocolate tones with bright fruity notes at the finish.
GlenDronach Forgue aged 10 years, 43%
The thick copper-colored drink is aged for 10 years in barrels where Pedro Jimenez and Oloroso sherry were stored. The multifaceted aroma combines wine, fruit and coffee notes. On the palate, shades of peach, red berries and hot pepper stand out. The aftertaste contains tobacco and nutmeg.
GlenDronach Original aged 12 years, 43%
Twelve years of exposure gives the whiskey the color of red gold. The aromatic range is dominated by vanilla and ginger. Creamy taste rich with hints of oak, ripe fruit and spices.
GlenDronach Revival aged 15 years, 46%
The release of this whiskey was stopped for a while to wait for the new batch to be ready. Whiskey matures in barrels for 15 years. A bronze-colored drink with blackberry, mint and dark chocolate aromas. On the palate, hints of honey, ripe figs, apricots and angelica are felt.
GlenDronach Allardice 18 Years Old, 46%
Eighteen-year-old whiskey of golden color with the taste of nutmeg, dried fruits and red berries. The aromatic bouquet contains fruity, creamy and spicy notes.
GlenDronach Parliament 21 Years Old, 48%
Bright representative of the Scottish Highland Single Malt amber color with plum and blackberry aroma. The taste is sharp and deep, with hints of sherry, dark chocolate, allspice and nutmeg.
GlenDronach Peated, 46%
A classic peaty whisky with a smoky and winey aroma. The flavor range combines heather, white pepper, rosehip and barley with deep peaty nuances.
