The GlenDronach 15-Year Returns

Famous for its extensive use of sherry casks and rich, deep flavor profile, the GlenDronach Distillery in Speyside, Scotland, has long been known as a cult-favorite single malt, with a flavor profile that appeals to fans of Glenfarclas and Macallan. Yet distribution in the United States was somewhat limited, and in 2015, the brand discontinued its popular 15-year-old expression, The GlenDronach Revival Aged 15 Years, due to supply constraints.

In 2016, the brand was acquired by Brown-Forman (along with its sibling distilleries BenRiach and Glenglassaugh) in 2016, marking the bourbon titan’s first foray into Scotch whisky and the beginning of an expansion for this historic brand in the U.S. market.

Now, in good news for fans of sherried single malts everywhere, the brand announces the return of its 15-year-old single malt expression, now called The GlenDronach 15-Year Revival.

“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 at BenRiach, The GlenDronach, and Glenglassaugh, in a prepared statement. “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.”

According to Rachel, “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.” Formal tasting notes from the brand are supplied as follows:

• 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

According to the press release, The GlenDronach 15-Year Revival is currently available at the distillery, and will be available in all 50 states beginning in October 2018. The manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing is $89.99.