The Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 9 Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml
The GlenDronach is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, creating their finest richly sherried single malts for nearly 200 years. Located near Forgue, by Huntly, Aberdeenshire, in the Highland whisky district, has a rich and storied history that begins back in 1771 when the Glen House, originally called Boynsmill, was built. It was later renamed by James Allardice when the distillery was founded in 1826, making it one of the first licensed distilleries in Scotland. Throughout the years, the distillery changed ownership several times, with notable moments including being bought over by Walter Scott in the 1830s, becoming the largest duty paying distillery in the Scottish Highlands in the 1860s and being acquired by Captain Charles Grant in 1920. In 1960, the distillery was purchased by William Teacher & Sons, who expanded the number of stills from two to four. However, in 1996, the distillery was mothballed for a period of time before being re-opened in 2002. The ownership changed hands again in 2005 when Chivas Brothers took over and the distillery converted to steam heating, marking a significant shift in its production process. In 2008, the distillery was taken over by the BenRiach Distillery Company Ltd., marking a significant milestone in its history. This acquisition sparked the beginning of the Glendronach renaissance, bringing new opportunities and developments to the distillery. The year 2015 brought great honour to the BenRiach Distillery Company, with the recognition of being named Global Whisky Distiller of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards. This achievement was particularly remarkable for a small privately-owned independent company. In 2016, Brown-Forman Corporation took over, bringing three outstanding Single Malt Scotch Whisky brands – The GlenDronach, BenRiach and Glenglassaugh – into its growing whiskey portfolio. This acquisition marked a significant milestone for the distillery's legacy.
At the heart of The Glendronach's craft are time-honoured traditions and handcrafted techniques that have been perfected over nearly two centuries. The distillery's methods, including the use of soft Highland water and Scottish malted barley, reflect a dedication to quality and authenticity. The hallmark of The Glendronach's craft lies in the marriage of robust Highland spirit with the finest Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucia in Spain. This exquisite duality brings exceptional depth, complexity and character to the whiskies. The slow and carefully attended process, from milling to distillation to maturation, is a testament to the meticulous craft and dedication of the distillery team. The slow maturation process, overseen by the dedicated distillery team and expertly selected and married by Master Blender Rachel Barrie, results in expressions known worldwide for their exceptional depth, complexity and character. The distillery's focus on the selection and nurture of Spanish oak sherry casks reflects a commitment to creating whiskies of unparalleled quality and flavour.
Following the successful debut of a distinguished Scottish Single Malt, the 9th batch is introduced to patrons, boasting exceptional quality. This GlenDronach, matured in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks crafted from European oak by renowned bodegas in Jerez, Spain, undergoes a slow maturation process, resulting in a remarkable cask strength product. Each limited batch, featuring natural colour and non-chill filtration, reflects the meticulous selection by Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie, with the 9th batch specifically praised for its rich and full-bodied character. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 59.4% alc/vol and free from added colour, this release exemplifies the distillery's dedication to excellence.
Embark on a sensory journey with The Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 9 Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml, a distinguished expression that tantalizes the senses with its captivating aromas, luxurious palate and enduring finish. An enticing nose reveals red berry jam danish, Christmas mince pies, floral notes, dried orchard fruits and dark chocolate. The palate unfolds with shortbread jam tarts, mango, apricot, dark chocolate eclairs, soft dark caramel, clove and cinnamon. The long and rich finish offers fruit toast, dark toffee, espresso and old oak, culminating in an opulent and refined tasting experience.
The Finer Details
Style - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Region - Highland
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 59.4%