Glendronach Adds A New Port Wood Single Malt To Its American Line Up

Scotland’s The Glendronach distillery is a Scotch single malt whisky maker well known over the years for its use of sherry cask aging as part of its maturation program. It does make use of other casks as well though, something we took note of last year when a port wood finish was first announced. This offering has now apparently made its way to American shores.

The Glendronach Port Wood, according to those behind it, was initially “matured in the distillery’s signature Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, followed by a second maturation in some of the finest port pipes from the majestic Douro Valley in Portugal.” It is bottled at 46% ABV and has no age statement.

“The GlenDronach means ‘valley of the brambles’ in old Scots Gaelic,” said The GlenDronach Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, in a prepared statement. “We are delighted to celebrate this heritage with a Portuguese twist on our revered Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry cask maturation, which uses the finest Spanish oak.

“This extra maturation in Port casks imparts a deep cherry wood color and enriches the layers of fruit in The GlenDronach, with delightful waves of Victoria plum, brambles and sandalwood on the nose. Layers upon layers of rich fruit flavor open up on the palate with notes of roasted apple crumble and gingerbread, developing into baked orange and black cherry back-notes.”

This whisky, which is non-chill filtered and of natural color, is being released for purchase through select domestic retailers, pricing around $90 per 750 ml bottle. More official tasting notes are below.

• Color: Intense cherry wood
• Nose: Breathe in delightful waves of Victoria plum, bramble and strawberry jam with top notes of cherry blossom and honeysuckle on a base of sandalwood and ginger
• Palate: Layers upon layers of rich fruits. Sip blackberry and roasted apple crumble with freshly baked gingerbread, developing into a baked orange and black cherry back-note
• Finish: Savor orange peel, sultana and cherry cake lingering into the richly fruity finish