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Next Auction starts Friday 29 March. Bottle Deadline: 18 March.

Glendronach

  • Pronunciation: glen-DRON-ak
  • Founded: 1826
  • Region: Highlands
  • Status: Operational
  • Owner: Benriach Distillery Company
  • Production Capacity: 1,400,000 litres a year

 

Founded in 1826 by James Allardice, Glendronach was the second distillery to legally apply for a licence. In the winter of 1826, James took his new product to the streets of Edinburgh to sell to the bars of the Royal Mile. Unfortunately they had bought their stock for the season and James was starting to feel the sting of defeat. On his way home he was accosted by two ladies of the night, who invited him for a drink. Having a lake of unsold whisky in his hotel, he invited them back. They loved his nectar and returned the next day to purchase some from him. Soon the Edinburgh “night-life” were guzzling Glendronach by the gallon and asking for it in the local bars... James made his sales and the rest is history.

However, within the decade the distillery burnt to the ground and had to be rebuilt, a minor setback, as it returned stronger than ever. By the 1860s the distillery was the largest duty payer in the Highlands.

Mothballed in 1996 and recommencing full production in 2002, the reawakening of Glendronach truly took place in 2008 when purchased by the Benriach Distillery Company. Excellent marketing and excellent presentation has enticed numerous connoisseurs to enjoy this monstrously tasty sherry bomb. With whisky this delicious, it is not surprising that collectors have come calling too.

Glendronach's current standard range consists of the 12 year old Original, the 15 year old Revival, the 18 year old Allardice and the 21 year old Parliament. They also have a Cask Strength with no age statement which they are releasing in batches and four finished whiskies; 14 year old Sauternes, 14 year old Virgin oak, 15 year old Moscatel and a 15 year old Tawny Port.

Over the years they have released a number of vintage single casks. These tend to be cask strength and vary in cask between Oloroso and PX. The following are available 1968, 1971, 1972, 1976, 1978, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996. Also from 1976 is the distilleries 150th anniversary release which is a 12 year old; a very rare and essential item to complete a Glendronach collection.

Donald Trump chose the whisky to be his “house” malt for his new controversial Aberdeenshire golf course. They have released a well presented 26 year old bearing his name.