Glendronach marks bicentennial with £35k whisky

Brown-Forman's Glendronach Distillery has unveiled its oldest release to date: a 56-year-old single malt, celebrating its 200th anniversary.

Founded in 1826, Glendronach Distillery in the Scottish Highlands specialises in maturing whiskies in Spanish oak casks that have previously held Sherry. Released to mark the distillery's 200th-anniversary year, The Glendronach Aged 56 Years is also its oldest whisky to date. Distilled in September 1968, the whisky was laid down in three oloroso Sherry butts from the historic bodegas of Jerez and aged in traditional dunnage warehouses. In 2014, it was transferred into three Spanish oak Pedro Ximenez hogsheads. Bottled at natural cask strength of 44.9% ABV, the whisky presents aromas of dark fruits, dark cacao, caramelised dates, oud wood, and blackberry. The palate reveals notes of black cherry, tonka bean, amber-raisin, dark chocolate, and mandarin. Dr Rachel Barrie, master blender of The Glendronach, commented: "The 56-year-old is a stoic masterpiece. It possesses a structural integrity rarely seen in spirits of this age. "It is the 'Sherry Crescendo' – a complex, multi-layered tale of dark cacao and ancient spice, refined by the irreplaceable influence of time. At 56 years old, it is exceptional." The expression is limited to 200 hand-numbered Glencairn crystal decanters as a nod to the distillery's milestone. The Glendronach Aged 56 Years is presented in a hand-carved bespoke American Black Walnut cabinet by John Galvin. Composed of 148 individual elements and requiring more than 80 hours of meticulous craftsmanship, each presentation box is said to serve as a 'physical tribute to the passage of time'. The cabinet's interior is lined with rare quilted maple. Adip Agarwal, global brand director of The Glendronach, said: "The Glendronach has always been a single malt for those in the know, a community of connoisseurs connected by their true appreciation of The Glendronach's mastery of sherry casks and its high-quality drinking experience. "With the limited release of just 200 bottles, a select few will get an opportunity to own and taste this exceptional and rare whisky, shaped by time." The 56-year-old whisky will be released in small, exclusive batches from the end of April, with each decanter retailing for £35,000 (US$46,760). In 2024, The Glendronach introduced a new design for its core range, followed by the relaunch of the 21-year-old single malt. Last year, the distillery unveiled two new limited-edition annual whiskies: a 30-year-old and a 40-year-old.