The GlenDronach Distillery, established in 1826, has long been revered among whisky enthusiasts for its richly-sherried single malt Scotch whisky. With the recent launch of its ‘Raise Expectations’ campaign, we see the distillery staying true to its heritage while keeping a keen eye on the future. It aims to entice a new generation of whisky appreciators through reimagined packaging that seamlessly blends tradition with modern luxury.

(Source: Rankin Film)

In collaboration with renowned Scottish-born photographer and director John Rankin Waddell, best known for his portraits of Anya Taylor-Joy, Zendaya, Jay-Z, and the late David Bowie and Queen Elizabeth II, The GlenDronach has launched a visually captivating campaign featuring Spanish flamenco dancer Rocio Dusmet Orellana. Set against the historic backdrop of the distillery, her performance symbolises the fusion of two distinct yet complementary worlds. Orellana, dressed in a flaming red dress, signifies the presence of Spanish sherry, while her captivating choreography symbolises the complex notes of sherry that impregnate the spirit during the maturation process. This visual metaphor embodies the robust Highland spirit’s tango with Spanish flair, culminating in a sherried symphony of bold, sophisticated bouquet and flavour.

Mr. Rankin commented, “I just loved the initial idea. I know the whisky sector well and this felt genuinely different and exciting to me. I also thrive on creating cultural collisions and finding beauty in the tensions they bring. Plus, as a Scot by birth, the idea of bringing flamenco to the Highlands stirred a passion in me that I just couldn’t resist.”

Spanish flamenco dancer Rocio Dusmet Orellana featured in a short-film directed by John Rankin Waddell’s for The GlenDronach (Source: Prolific North, 2024)

With more than 30 years of experience in the whisky industry, Dr Rachel Barrie, famously known as the “First Lady of Scotch,” has held the esteemed position of The GlenDronach’s Master Blender since 2017. Capturing the essence of this new chapter, she remarked: "For me, The GlenDronach is a surprise, a revelation, and a flavour crescendo. At first taste, it has this amplification that’s so much richer than your expectations. Our philosophy is just that—to raise expectations in single malt by creating the most exceptional sherried whisky. And we are now setting a standard to match the exquisite nature of the spirit with reimagined visuals."

Dr. Rachel Barrie, the “First Lady of Scotch” and The GlenDronach’s Master Blender since 2017 (Source: Drinks Adventures, 2024)

She continues, "Rankin’s signature style worked harmoniously in magnifying the luxurious and flamboyant nature of The GlenDronach. He has beautifully captured the delicate balance of tradition and imagination inherent in our single malt, encapsulating the duality of robust Highland spirit and Spanish flair—a balanced dance. The end result is bold, and it crescendos to a revelation in flavour, just like the liquid."

As a homage to the ‘GlenDronach’ name, which means ‘Valley of the Brambles’ in Gaelic, the novel packaging features a new bespoke pattern. This has been rolled out globally since July 2024. While the aesthetic has evolved, the heart of The GlenDronach remains unchanged. The award-winning core range of 12, 15, and 18 aged statement malt expressions will continue to be matured in the finest Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía, Spain. This line of bottles will be the first to feature the new design. Later in the year, the highly anticipated ‘Master’s Anthology,’ featuring three new expressions and additions to the ultra-premium core range, including 21, 30, and 40-year-old single malt expressions, will be added to the portfolio.

Official Photograph of ‘Restaged’ GlenDronach Core range expressions (Source: GlenDronach)

Review of GlenDronach's Whiskies

In Scotch whisky’s long history, many laws have been enacted to preserve the integrity of a spirit so closely interwoven with the cultural identity of Scotland. Regarding whisky maturation, the law mandates that it be aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks. Over the centuries, whisky makers have experimented with various cask types, but arguably, the most revered are sherry casks, sourced from the esteemed bodegas of Spain. It’s no secret why so many distilleries use sherry casks to mature or finish their whiskies. A quick glance at the myriad of whiskies available in today’s market will undoubtedly reveal a sherried one.

Among discerning palates in the whisky community, The GlenDronach has held the informal title of being one of the finest example of a “Sherry bomb.” This term refers to a whisky with prominent and bold sherry notes, resulting from significant interaction between the malt and the sherry oak cask. Not to be mistaken for being overpowered, The GlenDronach’s profile is rich and bold, with a velvety, honeyed finish.

As one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, The GlenDronach distillery has a past rich with charismatic custodians, challenging setbacks, and stories of triumph through dedication. The distillery was an early pioneer of sherry cask maturation and has been mastering the art of it ever since its founder, James Allardice, established the distillery in 1826. For nearly 200 years, The GlenDronach has stood the test of time, despite closing in 1996 and reopening in 2002. Nestled in the Valley of Forgue amidst the majestic Scottish Highlands, the distillery is guarded by the brambles and rooks that give it its name— ‘GlenDronach’ meaning “the Valley of Brambles” in Gaelic. Since then, generations of artisans have continued the remarkable dedication to heritage, quality, craftsmanship, and tradition, following time-honoured methods to produce their malt. To this day, they mature the whisky in the finest Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso casks, sourced from the sherry bodegas of Andalucía, Spain. It’s no wonder this distillery is one of my personal favourites for a sherried dram.

The GlenDronach Distillery (Source: John Paul Photography)

On August 29th, 2024, The GlenDronach hosted a grand event at the elegant Wonder Room of the newly established Singapore EDITION hotel. Together with guests and friends, The GlenDronach unveiled its brand relaunch in Singapore, in an evening of splendour and revelry. The timing couldn’t have been more fortuitous, coming on the heels of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), the industry’s most awards event. This year, all three core-expressions upheld their prestigious 2023 Double Gold awards, a distinction reserved for spirits that receive unanimous Gold ratings from the entire judging panel.

As we entered the pantheon dedicated to The GlenDronach, we were greeted with warm lighting, reminiscent of candlelight, and the sultry red shades of sherry reflected in velvet drapes that adorned the walls—a tribute to the Spanish sherry casks that impart such bold character into The GlenDronach’s spirit. My eyes were drawn to the altar adorned with stunning vivid red floral and botanical arrangements, showcasing the core range bottles of the 12, 15, and 18 aged statement expressions, still featuring the classic bottle design.

Accompanied by refreshing bespoke cocktails and drams from The GlenDronach core range, we were instantly transported to the very essence of the distillery—the rich, bold profile of sherry notes and the velvety honeyed finish inundated the palate and olfactory senses, bringing the Highland spirit to life. We were serenaded by a red-carpet solo violinist, dressed in a flowing gown that echoed the vibrant overhanging drapes. Her performance, featuring modern renditions of popular songs, perfectly matched the symphony of flavours, a subtle nod to both the distillery’s past and its future.

Red-carpet solo violinist and altar showcasing the classic bottling of the core range expressions.

Soon, Mr. Colton Payne, Marketing Director of Brown-Forman Asia, took to the stage to announce the brand’s new direction and refreshed visual identity. Accompanied by an evocative video projection featuring Dr. Rachel Barrie, The GlenDronach’s master blender, we were given a glimpse into the future of the distillery. Mr. Stuart Fear, Brown-Forman’s Regional Brand Ambassador and a newly appointed Keeper of the Quaich, then shared personal anecdotes of his time working with The GlenDronach before officially unveiling the core range’s new look.

Centrepiece showcasing the official unveiling of ‘Restaged’ GlenDronach Core range expressions.

Though I admit a preference for the timeless two-piece label and old bottle design, the new aesthetic is undeniably elegant and minimalist with a one-piece, single-colour label, appealing to modern whisky enthusiasts. Despite the design’s evolution over the years, one element remains constant—the artist’s rendering of The GlenDronach distillery, a symbol of their mastery in sherry cask maturation. While the packaging may have evolved, the liquid within remains faithful to the distillery’s craftsmanship, ensuring the integrity of the malt profile since 1826.

Following the official unveiling, we were invited to partake in a dram of the coveted GlenDronach 18 to collectively toast “Slàinte Mhath” (to your good health, in Gaelic), honouring the distillery’s past and future. Imbibing the exceptional Highland spirit, we were treated to a captivating performance by the Della String Quartet, their flamboyant flair a perfect accompaniment to the evening.

Appreciating a dram of The GlenDronach Cask Bottling 1992 28 year old Oloroso sherry puncheon.

The Oloroso casks used by The GlenDronach impart warm oak spice and nutty characteristics, while the Pedro Ximénez casks add sweetness, velvety syrupy richness, finessed complexity, and hints of roasted cacao to the finish. This balanced combination allows the distillery to achieve a harmonious blend, enhancing the distinctive profile of The GlenDronach. A variety of sweet and savoury hors d’oeuvres were served alongside the whisky, enhancing the unique flavour dimensions with each pairing.

From September onwards, for a limited time only, whisky enthusiasts in Singapore can experience The GlenDronach’s exceptional flavours through exclusive collaborations with select establishments, including The Lobby Lounge at InterContinental Singapore, Enclave Restaurant & Bar, Mandala Club, Nook Nowhere, Wallich Manor, and The Straits Bar at Tower Club. This unique opportunity invites the curious to explore and imbibe the amber elixir either neat or in cocktails—allowing for an intimate encounter with the remarkable heritage, craftsmanship, and tradition that lies at the heart of every bottle of The GlenDronach.

Myself (L) and Mr. Stuart Fear, Brown-Forman’s Regional Brand Ambassador.

The GlenDronach 1992 Single Cask, 28 Years Old, Oloroso Sherry Puncheon Cask #2145, 57.8% ABV – Review

This GlenDronach Single Cask Bottling was distilled on the 04/12/1992 and bottled in 2021. Left for 28 years to mature in a single Oloroso Sherry Puncheon, only 657 bottles were produced worldwide. This exceptional expression is a fantastic representation of the style of whiskies undergoing enhanced maturation in the GlenDronach Distillery warehouses. They are smooth, bold, rich, well-balanced, and tremendously complex.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Gleams a clear deep mahogany brown with a delicate reddish hue.

Nose: The bouquet opens with rich aromas of floral wild honey intertwined with subtle hints of old waxed parchment, followed by juicy ripe strawberries and an intense Oloroso sherry depth providing structure. Layers of sun-ripened plums and dried cranberries are complemented by crisp fresh pears, enhanced by a subtle touch of light pepper spice and creamy vanilla custard. Underlying hints of perfumed sherry, dried malt biscuit, delicate cinnamon, orange blossom, and damp grass add complexity and nuance to the aromatic profile.

Texture: Medium to heavy viscosity, oily with multiple long-slender continuous legs.

Palate: Opens with stewed plums and fresh juicy pears, complemented by a red fruit preserve richness and the sweet intensity of cranberry syrup. Soft sweet balsamic notes weave through, accompanied by cashew nuttiness and light oak spice, balanced by a whisper of pepper that adds dimension to the profile. The experience culminates with a buttery creaminess, wild honey, and soft almond nougat, offering a soft, inviting transition into the finish.

Finish: The finish itself is brief yet impactful, with gentle notes of 80% dark cacao quickly evolving into velvety red fruits as a final, graceful impression.

The GlenDronach 18 Years Old, 46.0% ABV – Review

The most opulent expression from GlenDronach’s core range, this sumptuous spirit matured in fine Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía in Spain, presents exquisite complexity. Often referred to by whisky connoisseurs as the ‘ultimate sherry bomb’.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: A beautiful clear tawny auburn brown.

Nose: The bouquet opens with rich aromas of floral wild honey sweetness, underpinned by notes of turpentine, aged rum molasses esters, and over-ripened tropical fruitiness. Dark cherries and plums provide a deep foundation of bold ripened red fruit notes, while the trailing transition into Madagascan vanilla, stewed pears, and fresh strawberry sweetness adds layers of warmth and richness to the aromatic profile.

Texture: Medium viscosity, oily with a few thick continuous legs.

Palate: The palate opens with balsamic richness meeting the vibrancy of fresh plums and morello cherries, trailing with a delicate hint of parchment paper. Gently stewed pear and pome fruit notes evolve into fresh, crisp Pink-Lady apple slices, mingling with tropical fruit notes of pineapple, kiwi, and dried mango; offering a bright, fruity transition into the finish.

Finish: The finish lingers with 65% cacao and dry wood tannins balanced by a hint of toasted oak. A subtle gingery spice emerges, followed by dried cranberries, cassis, blueberries, sweet Deglet Noor dates, crushed allspice, and toasted almond slivers for a complex finish. 

The GlenDronach 15 Years Old 46.0% ABV – Review

After ceasing production in 2015, The GlenDronach Revival Aged 15 years now returns to the GlenDronach core range. Out from the darkness of the dunnage warehouses, this expression displays GlenDronach’s mastery over Sherry cask spirit maturation. Taste the complex masterfully aged spirit born from fine Andalucían Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks.

Tasting Notes

Colour and Clarity Vibrant clear rich muscat amber brown.

Nose: The bouquet opens with a burst of fresh bananas, raspberries, and maraschino cherries, supported by a subtle hint of vanilla sweetness. Tropical fruit notes of mango and lychee sweetness lend a vibrancy, while the toasty warmth of European oak and macerated Macintosh apples adds complexity. A final layer of light balsamic fruitiness ties together the complex aromatic profile.

Texture: Medium viscosity, oily with only a few medium-thick continuous legs.

Palate: The palate opens with a honeyed-apricot sweetness that quickly evolves into a dried red fruit and cassis must. Fresh pineapples and sweet Macintosh apples add fresh zest to the palate profile, while a light cinnamon and a bold semi-ripened chili pepper vegetal spice provide a warming kick.

Finish: Layers of fresh tropical fruitiness evolve into earthy notes of 65% dark cacao and Guatemalan coffee grounds. Dry tannic European oak gives way to black pepper spice, transforming into subtle dried orange peels and dry sherry tannins. The experience culminates in a hint of barrel stave smokiness and toasted coconut shavings.

The GlenDronach 12 Years Old 43.0% ABV – Review

The quintessential expression in The GlenDronach’s core range, this richly sherried single malt is the youngest in the trio of its core range expressions. Matured for at least 12 years in a combination of the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks.

Tasting Notes

Colour and Clarity: A deep, clear rich copper hue.

Nose: The bouquet opens with the fragrance of delicate floral notes and is immediately followed by the sweet fruitiness of freshly cut Royal Gala and Braeburn apples intertwined with crisp Korean golden pears. Hints of pollen muskiness give way to a subtle honey sweetness coming into a climax of soft fresh grassiness that offers a gentle and inviting aromatic profile.

Texture: Light to medium viscosity with only a few thin slender continuous legs.

Palate: The palate opens with a harmonious blend of floral tones and fresh stone fruits, accented by zesty orange citrus. Juicy sherry notes, fresh plums, morello cherries, and crisp Macintosh apple slices add depth and dimension. A touch of vanilla and muscovado sugary sweetness smooths out the profile, balancing the fruit and spice.

Finish: The finish opens with bittersweet notes of 55% cacao, with the underlying nuttiness imparted by Oloroso sherry casks. A continuation of juicy ripened plum and morello cherry sherried notes seamlessly meld with light ginger and baking spice accents. The presence of oak wood spice then culminates in an expression of espresso coffee bitterness that provides a satisfying and well-balanced conclusion.

By Miguel Loh

Unless otherwise indicated, all images are the author's own.

This review is published on Miguel's Whisky Wilderness Blog and the @Whisky_Wilderness Instagram page.