When it comes to sherry cask-matured single malt, the first name that usually comes to mind for most people is the Macallan. That whisky is ubiquitous for a reason—it’s very good, and widely available. But another name to look out for, if you’re not already familiar, is the Glendronach, a Highlands distillery that is making some of the very best sherry-seasoned whisky you can find. And today it announced the release of two new ultra-aged expressions that are exceptional.
The Glendronach was founded nearly two centuries ago by James Allardice in 1826. In the modern era, the focus of the distillery, which is led by master blender Rachel Barrie, is on maturing whisky in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks that are sourced from Andalucia, Spain. The core lineup consists of a few high-quality age statement expressions, but for the first time the Glendronach is releasing a pair of well-aged, limited-edition single malts aged for 30 and 40 years. We were able to try an early sample, and they are both superb.
The Glendronach 30-Year-Old: A Symphony of Sherry Casks is the first release, a whisky that was aged in Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso, and—in another first for the distillery—Amontillado sherry casks. “With the 30-Year-Old, we have composed a symphony from our most historic sherry cask styles,” said Barrie in a statement. “Three decades of maturation have resulted in a sublime and charming single malt, with generous layers of rich and complex character. It is the ultimate expression of our dedication to the art of sherry cask maturation.” Look for notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon spice, orange marmalade, and toasted coconut on the palate. The whisky is bottled at 46.8 percent ABV, and the bottle comes in a walnut curl veneer case engraved with 30 facets.
The Glendronach 40-Year-Old: The Pinnacle of Artistry is the second release, a marriage of Spanish oak Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks that spent more than four decades maturing. “I am honored to share this exceptionally distinctive single malt,” said Barrie. “At 40 years old, it represents four decades of sherry cask refinement, polished by time to become the ultimate expression of the Glendronach.” This whisky was bottled at cask strength of 43.9 percent ABV, and has notes of stone fruit, black cherry, dark chocolate espresso beans, and creme brulee on the palate. This bottle comes in a rosewood case with brass handles.
Both whiskies are being released in very limited numbers with a pretty hefty price tag, but not nearly as much as you’d find a similarly aged Macallan whisky going for. 1,300 bottles of the 30-year-old (SRP $1,300) are coming to the U.S., and just 70 bottles of the 40-year-old (SRP $6,700) are reaching our shores. Of course, those prices might rise exponentially once they hit the secondary market, but if you have the means to buy one you won’t be disappointed because both are exquisite. Check out the rest of the Glendronach collection, which relaunched last year with a new label design, at websites like ReserveBar now.
Authors
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Jonah Flicker