One of the most popular sherried single malt whiskies on the market, The Glendronach Parliament 21 Year Old is the oldest core range expression from The Glendronach brand. A multi-award-winning release, The Glendronach 21 Year Old helped establish the brand’s reputation as the quintessential Highland malt when the expression was named the ‘Best Highland Single Malt’ at the World Whisky Awards 2020.
Exploring the origins, expression name, distillery production, and tasting notes – this ultimate guide provides everything you need to know about The Glendronach Parliament 21 Year Old.
What Kind Of Whisky Is The Glendronach 21 Year Old?
The Glendronach 21 Year Old is single malt Scotch whisky, known for its heavily sherried rich style, originating from Scotland’s Highland whisky region. Matured in a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez ex-Sherry casks sourced from Spain, The Glendronach 21 Year Old is bottled at 48% ABV.
The Glendronach Parliament 21 Year Old expression was introduced in 2011, becoming the oldest expression in the brand’s expanding core range. When the expression was first released, The Glendronach 21 Year Old bottling initially contained considerably older whisky stocks the same as the brand’s other expressions. Purportedly, those drinking the Parliament 21 Year Old in 2020 were actually enjoying a 27 Year Old whisky.
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Reinforcing the brand’s cult reputation and status as the quintessential Highland malt, The Glendronach 21 Year Old was named the ‘Best Highland Single Malt’ at the World Whisky Awards 2020. The multi-award-winning Parliament’s other accolades include a silver medal from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (2013), and a double gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2022).
Where Is The Glendronach 21 Year Old Produced?
The Glendronach Distillery, nestled near Forgue by Huntly in Aberdeenshire, is a key player in Scotland’s Highland whisky region, famed for its 18 Year Old expression. Founded by James Allardice in 1826, the distillery has a storied history, including its acquisition by William Teacher & Sons in 1960, where it became integral to Teacher’s blends. The Glendronach has been a blending staple, featuring in whiskies like Ballantine’s since the late 1800s.
After being mothballed from 1996 to 2002, the distillery was revitalized under Pernod Ricard, who modernized the site and converted the stills from coal-fired to steam-heated in 2005, making it the last distillery in Scotland to make this transition. The Benriach Distillery Company, led by Master Distiller Billy Walker, acquired The Glendronach in 2008, sparking a revival.
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In 2009, The Glendronach’s core range was launched, featuring robust, sherried whiskies with age statements of 12, 15, and 18 years. This resurgence paved the way for the distillery’s eventual sale to Brown-Forman, the producers of Jack Daniel’s, who purchased The Benriach Distillery Company for £285 million in 2016.
The Glendronach remains committed to traditional whisky-making methods honed over 200 years, utilizing a rake and plough mash tun and Oregon pine washbacks. The distillery’s distinctive wash still and plain-sided spirit stills limit reflux, resulting in a rich, full-bodied malt, typically matured in ex-Sherry casks—an unmistakable characteristic of The Glendronach’s unique whisky style.
Why Is The Glendronach 21 Year Old Named ‘Parliament’?
The Glendronach 21 Year Old is named ‘Parliament’, not because of any political associations, but instead after the collective term for a colony of rooks. Glendronach’s 21 Year Old bottling celebrates the ‘parliament’ of rooks which has nested in the trees overlooking The Glendronach distillery for almost 200 years – although the rooks have also regularly tried to nest in the warehouse.
What Does The Glendronach 21 Year Old Taste Like?
The Glendronach 21 Year Old is a fruit-laden, richly sherried malt, with notes of blackberries, plums, and dark chocolate. The expression’s official tasting notes from the brand’s website can be found below:
“Appearance: Deep amber with cherry wood sheen.
“Nose: A delicate mix of ripe autumnal fruits – notably blackberries and red plums. Rich Oloroso sherry and candied orange segments. Spiced oatmeal biscuits and toasted oak fragrances bring excellent weight and balance.
“Palate: Resolute flavours of fine Oloroso sherry and bitter chocolate sauce, which has been spread liberally over homemade plum pudding. This is all infused with fabulously spicy notes – cinnamon, all-spice, and nutmeg. Full-bodied with smooth tannins.
“Finish: Long and lingering.”
How Much Is The Glendronach 21 Year Old?
The average price for a 750ml bottle of Glendronach Parliament 21 Year Old is currently $325 on Wine-Searcher. If you’re based in California, the best place to find The Glendronach 21 Year Old is Valentine’s Liquor, Arcadia for $259.90. While in New York, the best place to purchase Parliament is De Wine Spot, Brooklyn for $299.
The Glendronach’s esteemed reputation as the quintessential heavily sherried Highland malt whisky plays a significant role in its pricing. Bottlings from Glendronach’s core range, particularly those known to contain older whisky than their age statement suggests, have become highly coveted by the distillery’s enthusiasts. This is especially true for The Glendronach Parliament 21 Year Old, with bottles from 2020 being particularly sought after, as the whisky is believed to have been 27 years old.
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