Glendronach distillery has always had a loyal fan base; indeed, for those who enjoy the sherried-style of single malt Scotch whisky, Glendronach is one of the first distilleries that comes to mind. Located in Huntly, just to the east of the Speyside region, it is one of the smaller and more traditional distilleries, but – as whisky enthusiasts have known for a long time – it punches above its weight. So much so, its loyal fan base is a growing one. And rightly so….
The distillery was founded in 1826 and so this year marks its 200th birthday. The whisky community in Australia was privileged this July to have Dr Rachel Barrie, Glendronach’s Master Blender, visit our shores to help celebrate the occasion. Having Dr Barrie in town, it was also a timely opportunity to shine a light on the distillery’s Master’s Anthology collection, perhaps better known amongst the punters as the “Ode to…” series.
As mentioned above, the distillery has long been renowned for favouring sherry cask maturation. The core-range expressions – a 12yo, 15yo, and 18yo – all showcase Glendronach spirit in different recipes that utilise various combinations and permutations of ex-Oloroso and ex-Pedro Ximinez sherry casks. The recent Ode to… series takes the emphasis away from age statements and instead highlights a particular style or nuance in the spirit.
Whisky & Wisdom was privileged to attend an immersive experience and an audience with Dr Barrie at a recent event in Sydney; it was a brilliant exploration of the three whiskies and what’s on offer. As part of the experience, we walked along the forest floor of the Valley; we enjoyed the earthiness and smoke of a beef chop paired with the Embers; and we tasted an incredible Basik Chocolates bonbon where the flavours unravelled over 15 seconds in the mouth and showcased the key elements of the Dark.
(Click on each image to enlarge)
Here’s some key info on each of the three whiskies in the range…
Glendronach Ode to the Valley
Made using a combination of sherry casks and Ruby Port casks for Portugal’s Douro Valley, the Ode to the Valley is a lighter style of Glendronach that showcases forest and orchard fruits and softer, grassier/floral notes. Bottled at 46.2% ABV.
Glendronach Ode to the Embers
Like many other mainland distilleries in recent times, Glendronach has turned its hand to making a peated malt. Ode to the Embers contains some of this peated spirit in the vatting; the whisky has been matured in ex-Oloroso and ex-Pedro Ximenez casks. Bottled at 48.4%, the whisky has a light, smoky ashiness – none of the iodine, tar, or maritime note you might associate with the peated whiskies from Islay. The lightly peated spirit, combined with the ex-sherry casks, results in an intriguing whisky that simultaneously balances savoury and sweet.
Glendronach Ode to the Dark
Matured exclusively in ex-Pedro Ximenez casks and bottled at 50.8%, Ode to the Dark is the textbook sherry bomb: Loads of rich, dark, dried fruits (sultanas, raisins, prunes, dates, and plums), layered with malt, spice, and sweetness. Christmas pudding in a glass!
———-
It’s always a privilege to get the inside word on a whisky from the person who made it; Dr Barrie gave some insights into the thinking and process behind each expression. What struck me most about the whiskies – apart from their fine quality – was the aptness of the names – Valley, Embers, and Dark were truly evocative and yet representative of the style and flavours each represented. It’s no secret that Whisky & Wisdom has a fondness for heavily-sherried whiskies; the Ode to the Dark was my favourite of the three. With an RRP of A$160, it’s also great value for a well-crafted and luxurious dram.
Speaking of luxurious drams, the evening concluded with a very special whisky, the Glendronach 30yo. What makes the 30yo an interesting expression is that, in addition to the usual building blocks of ex-Oloroso and ex-Pedro Ximenez casks, the whisky also features spirit that was re-racked into ex-Amontillado sherry casks. The age and oak were immediately evident on the nose, with hints of dunnage floors, Christmas pudding, and polished furniture. Bottled at 47% ABV, the spirit was mouthcoating, rich, and complex on the palate, again with layers of fruitcake, raisins, and prunes. The finish? Immensely long and satisfying! With an RRP of $1,899, it’s a whisky most of us would save for a special occasion. Have a taste of it, and you’ll happily convince yourself every day is a special occasion.
Cheers,
AD
PS….you might like our previous articles on Glendronach and other sherried whiskies….
The whisky lover’s complete guide to sherry
Dr Rachel Barrie and women in whisky
Glendronach vs Glenfarclas vs Macallan
