GlenDronach Scotch Single Malt 18 Year Allardice

The distillery is located near Forgue, by Huntly, Aberdeenshire, in the Speyside region, and is currently owned by BenRiach. GlenDronach survived many set-backs, including a fire in 1836 that nearly destroyed the entire facility. Their floor malting was also halted in 1996, and the distillery was mothballed. The distillery experienced a near complete overhaul when giant Pernod Ricard acquired them in 2005. They converted the last of the Scottish coal-fired stills to indirect steam-heated coils. GlenDronach was the last of the remaining distilleries using the method at this time. 

2008 was another period of revamp for the distillery, as they were again sold, in its most recent exchange, to BenRiach. GlenDronach is known for their classic “sherried” whiskies, meaning the spirit is aged in Oloroso casks. Each single malt is produced using old fashioned handcrafted techniques created through nearly 200 years of tradition. The production process is meticulously monitored from germination to bottling. The distillery has a copper mash tun, 4 stills, two of which are traditional wash backs, and 2 copper pot stills.

This GlenDronach 18-year-old single malt is named after James Allardice. It is a single malt of exceptional character. Aged for nearly two decades in the finest Oloroso Sherry casks, this special founder’s tribute won a Gold Medal at the 2017 World Whiskies Awards. Bottled at 46% ABV.

Tasting Notes

Sweet aromatics of fudge and Muscovado sugar on the nose. Fruit compote and glacier morello cherries provide added complexity. The palate is rich dark and seductive. Remarkable flavors of stewed fruits and all-spice marry together with classic aged Oloroso sherry and toasted walnut bread combined with chocolate orange. The finish is tremendously complex and long.

Proof 92 (46% ABV)