The Glendronach Distillery has launched The GlenDronach Port Wood, single malt scotch Whisky inspired by Douro Valley Port pipes. During the 19th century, Scotland imported a large amount of casked Port and the new offering celebrates the connection between the Highlands and the vibrant northern Portugal valley.
The GlenDronach Distillery was established in 1826 by founder James Allardice. At the time, both Sherry and Port were ‘de rigueur’, with the finest Port pipes traveling along Portugal’s Douro River, destined for the wine cellars of Scotland’s high society.
The GlenDronach Port Wood has been matured in the Highland distillery’s signature Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks, followed by a second maturation in Port pipes from the Douro Valley in Portugal. Master Blender Rachel Barrie selected and married the new offering.
“The GlenDronach means ‘valley of the brambles’ in old Scots Gaelic,” explained Barrie. “We are delighted to celebrate this heritage with a Portuguese twist on our revered Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry cask maturation, which uses the finest Spanish oak. This extra maturation in Port casks imparts a deep cherry wood color and enriches the layers of fruit in The GlenDronach, with delightful waves of Victoria plum, brambles and sandalwood on the nose. Layers upon layers of rich fruit flavor open up on the palate with notes of roasted apple crumble and gingerbread, developing into baked orange and black cherry back-notes.”
On the nose, the Whisky offers aromas of Victoria plum, bramble, and strawberry jam with top notes of cherry blossom and honeysuckle on a base of sandalwood and ginger. The palate features layers upon layers of rich fruits. Blackberry and roasted apple crumble with freshly baked gingerbread develop into a baked orange and black cherry back-note. The finish is described as, “Savor orange peel, sultana and cherry cake lingering into the richly fruity finish.”
Bottled at 46% ABV, The GlenDronach Port Wood single malt Scotch Whisky is currently available across the United States for the price of $89.99.
