Scotland’s The GlenDronanch distillery, known for its excellent sherry cask whisky program, unveiled back in 2017 a special release tied to the Kingsman movie franchise. This limited edition whisky became quite a hit at retail, and is now something of a collector’s item on secondary markets. Now, with a new Kingsman movie sometime on the near horizon, a new single malt is also being revealed.
The new The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1989 Vintage, according to those behind it, was “created in collaboration with Matthew Vaughn [Kingsman film franchise director], to mark the upcoming release of ‘The King’s Man’ by 20th Century Studios and MARV.” The GlenDronach Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie produced it from a selection of just six casks distilled in 1989, with primary maturation occurring in Oloroso sherry casks and a secondary finishing in Pedro Ximénez casks from Spain.
“Working closely with Matthew,” said Barrie in a prepared statement, “I have selected casks of the most exceptional character for this rare 1989 Vintage, with smoldering aromas of dark fruits and sherry-soaked walnuts, vintage leather and cedar wood. On the palate, dense autumn fruits meld with date, fig and treacle, before rolling into black winter truffle and cocoa. In the exceptionally long finish, notes of blackberry, tobacco leaf and date oil linger to conclude the rich tasting experience.
“This expression is deep in meaning, paying homage to fallen friends who bravely fought during WWI, and the depth of character and integrity shared by both The GlenDronach and the Kingsman agency. This is none other than a whisky truly fit for a King’s Man.”
“There is an important line which says, ‘Reputation is what others think of you, character is what you are’,” added Vaughn. “Strength of character and dedication to upholding the highest values perfectly encapsulates the true spirit of both the Kingsman agency and The GlenDronach Distillery.
“I hope Kingsman fans around the world will enjoy this Single Malt as much as I enjoyed partnering with Rachel Barrie and The GlenDronach to create it.”
As it stands now plans call for this 29 year old single malt to be limited edition, with just 3,052 bottles having been “labelled, numbered and wax-sealed by hand, each adorned with an iconic, bespoke Kingsman insignia. The luxurious gift box also bears the signatures of both Dr. Rachel Barrie and Matthew Vaughn.” It is bottled at 50.1% ABV, priced at $1,299 per bottle and will be available at the beginning of September.
You’ll find official tasting notes for The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1989 Vintage below for your consideration. As a side note, it is said this bottling “is inspired by the oldest bottle of whisky housed at The GlenDronach Distillery – a twenty-nine year-old whisky bottled in 1913, just before the outbreak of the first World War. Three friends had each purchased a bottle before leaving for war, vowing to open them together on their return. Tragically, only one of them returned home.
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“Having never opened his bottle, his family later gifted it to the distillery, where it remains unopened and displayed in remembrance of fallen friends.”
- Color: Tarnished copper
- Nose: Dark field berry and plum skin on a base of aromatic bitters, sherry-soaked walnut and vintage leather, with smoldering cedar wood on a slate and earthen floor.
- Palate: Dense autumn fruits melt with date, fig and treacle pulling, rolling into black winter truffle, raisin and cocoa.
- Finish: Blackberry, tobacco leaf and date oil linger into the rich, deep finish.
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