Today I look at the Glendronach 16 year old single malt Scotch whisky. James Allardes founded the distillery in 1826. Rumour has it that this was only the second distillery licensed to legally produce whisky under the Excise Act of 182.
This Act was passed three years earlier and allowed for the distilling of whisky in Scotland. Glendonach created richly sherried single malts often used in blended whisky. Since 1826 it has changed ownership many times.
Some of the best-known whisky companies in the world has owned the Glendronach Distillery at some stage or another. However, Glendronach always seems to stay true to its sherried roots through all the changes and moves.
During the 1830’s Teaninich owned it. Charles Grand of Glenfiddich bought it in 1920, and during 1960 William Teacher & Son bought it.
Also Read: Glenfiddich IPA Cask whisky
They expanded the number of stills from two to six. Allied Distilleries mothballed it in 1996. During 2005 it moved to Chivas Brothers, and it closed for a few months to allow for conversion from coal to steam to fire the stills.
In 2004 three families, two being South African, purchased BenRiach. The BenRiach Distillery Company bought the Glendronach distillery in 2008 and brought a South African connection. GlenDronach could focus again on their original strength, crafting richly sherried single malt whisky in the style that Glendronach became famous for.
I found this Glendronach Platinum 16 year old expression at Makro during December 2013 as part of their Christmas catalogue.
The Glendronach 16 year old single malt was matured for a minimum of 16 years in Oloroso sherry casks. Glendronach is not chill-filtered with no added colour.
REGION: Speyside
ABV: 48%
COLOUR: This is one of the darker whiskies in my collection. The texture is oily and thick and leaves long fingers on the glass.
NOSE: It has a big, bold nose, full of sherry notes. There are dates, raisins, sweetness and Christmas cake on the nose. After adding a little water, fresh fruit comes through as well.
PALATE: Glendronach 16 year old Platinum Scotch is quite a mouthful. It has a nice body and a smooth, robust mouthfeel. The palate brings dried fruit, fruitcake and nuts. Hints of spice and cinnamon with some wood and smoke in the background.
FINISH: There is quite a lot of spice in the finish with bits of caramel. It has a slow build and a lingering finish. Not an overly complicated whisky but quite bold and spicy. Adding a bit of water softens the higher alcohol bite a bit, and unlocks more flavours.
RATING: EXCELLENT
If there are still some in stock, it is worth grabbing. And especially with our South African winter fast approaching, it will add a soothing warm touch to the heart on a cold night. Combine it with a creamy Irish seafood bisque to warm up a cold winters’ evening.
Other Glendronach releases I have tried include the Glendronach 13 year old whisky WhiskyBrother release as well as the Glendronach 12 year old whisky.
The GlenDronach 16 year old Platinum sells for around R 2 700 in South Africa and is not that easy to get anymore.
Update: During 2016 GlenDronach and BenRiach was sold to Brown-Forman.
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