🥃 The GlenDronach

The GlenDronach is a distillery and single malt Scotch whisky brand in the Forgue valley near Huntly, in Aberdeenshire, in the east of the Highlands. It was founded in 1826 by James Allardice. It is owned by the American company Brown-Forman, and the whisky is known for its rich sherry profile. It is one of the best-known sherry-style brands in Scotland.

History. According to Difford's Guide, the distillery opened in 1826. It was later owned by the BenRiach Distillery Company, and in 2016 the group was, as reported, acquired by the American Brown-Forman. In 2020 the visitor centre was refurbished, and in 2022 the company announced investment of more than 30 million pounds to prepare the distillery for more than double its capacity, as demand had tripled since 2016.

How it is made. The whiskies mature in Spanish casks that previously held oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry from Andalusia, which gives them their rich taste. Difford's Guide specifies that Revival matures in casks that once held oloroso sherry, while Parliament spends at least 21 years in oloroso and PX. The producer does not state the number of stills or the water source, so we do not give those details.

Range. The Original 12 was relaunched in 2009; there is Revival 15 from oloroso casks, an 18-year-old Allardice, and a 21-year-old Parliament from oloroso and PX casks. Single cask bottlings also exist.

Why it matters to you. The ownership has changed several times, so older references may name BenRiach. Read the full name and the cask type, as they shape the taste. The age on the label is the age of the youngest whisky. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.