The GlenDronach Story
GlenDronach Distillery was established in 1826 by a consortium of local investors led by James Allardice. Allardice was something of an expert salesman and within just two years, his GlenDronach spirit was selling well throughout the country. After a decade of promise however, Allardice and his distillery fell on hard times. In 1837, a fire tore through the site, destroying everything in its path and leaving the owner with no shortage of financial concerns. By 1842, Allardice was declared bankrupt and his distillery fell silent.
Allardice passed away in 1853, but he lived long enough to see the rebirth of GlenDronach. Acquired by Walter Scott (formerly of Teaninich distillery) in 1852, the distillery was completely rebuilt and spirit once again flowed from the copper stills.
In 2008, Pernod Ricard agreed to sell GlenDronach to the BenRiach Distilling Co. A new visitor centre was built and the single malt was rebranded and relaunched to much critical acclaim. Predominantly matured in ex-sherry casks, the range quickly gained a dedicated following from whisky lovers across the world.
Then, in 2016 news emerged that the distillery had once again been sold, this time to US-based Brown-Forman, owner of the world famous Jack Daniels brand. It was an announcement that wasn’t altogether welcomed in many quarters, though only time will tell what it will mean for the brand and its reputation.
Though predominantly unpeated, GlenDronach’s distillers have experimented with some peated malt of late which has eventually led to the release of this intriguing port-finished expression. Bottled at 46%, it is available for approximately £55 – £60 in the UK.
The Whisky
Smell: A heady mix of berries and smoke with a nuttiness. Grape juice. Some subtle oak and campfire smoke.
Taste: Oak spices and chilli powder. Forest fruits. Plummy red wine. Subtle peat smoke.
Thoughts: Regarding the asking price of £60, it would have been nice to see an age statement at that level, although it’s not the end of the world. Your money buys you an interesting, alternative take on GlenDronach. Not the rich, warming sherry we’re used to. Instead we get an unusual balance of berry fruits and smoke. Maybe could have done with a little more heft on the palate. It felt a wee bit lightweight to me but still an enjoyable enough dram – just don’t expect a typical example of this distillery.
