The GlenDronach, one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries renowned for mastery of sherry cask maturation, announces the much anticipated return of its 15 year old expression, The GlenDronach Revival following a three-year wait. Revered by single malt Scotch whisky connoisseurs around the world, this iconic expression exemplifies The GlenDronach’s rich depths of sherry wood maturation, continuing the legacy set out by distillery founder James Allardice in 1826, marrying Highland spirit to Spanish oak.
The GlenDronach 15 Year Old Revival returns at 46% ABV, non chill filtered and of natural cask color (SRP $89.99). Initially available exclusively at The GlenDronach Distillery, it will arrive in the U.S. in mid-October 2018, with nationwide distribution. The 2018 release has been awarded the highest possible accolade of Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
“Today marks the return of The GlenDronach 15 Year Old Revival, an iconic aged expression of critical acclaim, revered by connoisseurs around the globe,” says Rachel Barrie, Master Blender, BenRiach, The GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh. “After years of slumber, this relaunched expression embodies The GlenDronach signature style of Spanish oak maturation in fine Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía. Over 15 years in the darkness of our dunnage warehouses, the spirit has grown in stature, refinement and intensity.”
Tasting Notes on a Much-Anticipated Iconic Spirit
– On the eye, antique bronze
– On the nose, an intoxicating burst of maraschino cherry, ripe blackberries and dark chocolate mint with hints of orange bitters and walnut liqueur
– On the palate, honey-glazed apricot and ripe fig with a crescendo of black cherry, angelica and muscovado sugar
– On the finish, long and enveloping with dark manuka honey, herbal bitters and dark chocolate
“The GlenDronach 15 Year Old Revival has an exquisite balance of intensity and finesse. In flavor, intense notes of ripe dark fruits and manuka honey evolve into an elegant silk-velvet chocolate finish, reflecting the richly layered complexity of this iconic single malt,” adds Barrie.
Roots in the 1990s, with Demand Later Outstripping Supply
The original 15 year old sherry cask matured expression was introduced by The GlenDronach in the 1990s and bottled at 40% ABV. It ceased to be bottled until 2009, when The GlenDronach Revival Aged 15 Years was released at 46% ABV. Having built up a strong reputation as one of the very finest sherry cask matured malts, it was discontinued in 2015 due to supply constraints.
