Smokehead Islay Single Malt Rock Edition

The GlenDronach Distillery is proud to announce the release of Grandeur Batch 9, the latest extremely rare batch of this highly revered single malt, bottled as a 24 year old expression. Personally selected by The GlenDronach Master Blender, The GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 9 has been composed using a handful of highly distinctive Spanish oak sherry butts distilled in 1990, 1992 and 1993, each selected for its quintessential contribution to the complexity of this distinguished single malt. Matured exclusively in sherry casks from birth, this rare 24 year old expression epitomises mastery of the finest Spanish oak sherry cask maturation. Each cask is woven into a tapestry of exquisite balance, finesse and depth, the prelude to the most persistent and richly satisfying finish. The GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 9 is bottled at 48.7% ABV, non-chill filtered and, as always for The GlenDronach, of natural colour, for richness, authenticity and texture. Each of the 1,487 bottles produced is sealed with wax and individually numbered by hand, presenting a unique opportunity for both collector and connoisseur alike. “In The GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 9, an unparalleled range of the finest aromas and tastes have been composed from masterful Spanish oak sherry cask maturation, patient aging and careful cask selection. Grandeur Batch 9 is a single malt of finesse, powerful complexity and persistence, reaching heights of maturity and depth of character that approach single malt perfection.  The GlenDronach Grandeur is the pinnacle of the signature style, representing rich layers of Highland heritage and terroir, intensified through patient aging in the finest Spanish oak sherry casks. The expression offers a carefully woven tapestry of stone fruit, baked quince and glazed cherries on a bed of sandalwood, roast chestnuts and subtle muskscented leather. The freshness of oak balsam lifts and lengthens throughout, sustaining the exceptional balance and complexity. With an elegant, deep and perfectly integrated palate, Grandeur combines a myriad of sherry cask tastes in each sip. As time slowly passes, the taste lengthens and deepens towards an elegant dark chocolate mint, raisin and angelica root velvet finish.” – The GlenDronach, Master Blender Rachel Barrie

This is an outstanding representation of this rare and enduring Highland single malt. Matured for over 40 years, this rich whisky has an abundance of of sweet tropical fruits and sophisticated sherry characteristics. Bottled at 42.5%ABV, non-chill filtered and at natural colour, this unique expression is full of character and complexity.

• Colour : Deep gold.
• Nose : An abundance of sweet syrupy tropical fruits; banana, pineapple and mango in perfect harmony with gentle Oloroso sherry.
• Palate : Sweet, rich, syrupy and complex. Oloroso sherry, toffee apples, mango and banana sit beautifully in the mouth alongside ginger and cocoa spice.

Founded in 1826, James Allardice built his distillery in the fertile landscape of the Forgue valley and named it ‘GlenDronach’, which means ‘valley of the brambles’ in Scots Gaelic. Allardice was a pioneer of sherry cask maturation and would have celebrated today’s release of The GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 10, an exquisite marriage of some of the oldest and most unique Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from the distillery.

A selection of sherry cask puncheons and butts have been maturing in our traditional dunnage warehouses since the 1960s. It is only some of the most extraordinary and remarkable which have been carefully chosen by our Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, for this special 27-year-old bottling of The GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 10, limited to 2293 bottles.
The GlenDronach Grandeur bottles at 50.1% ABV, is individually numbered by hand and will be available to purchase from specialist whisky stores globally. As a rich and complex Highland Single Malt experience, The GlenDronach Distillery has released this intense sherry expression just in time for Christmas as the ideal accompaniment to the festive season.

“Quietly maturing for over 27 years in the dark of our dunnage warehouses, The GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 10 is undoubtedly a superb expression and a fantastic representation of the smooth, complex and full-bodied style that The GlenDronach Distillery is famous for.” – The GlenDronach, Master Blender Rachel Barrie

• Colour : Intense cherry wood
• Nose : A masterful symphony of ripe damson plum, freshly cracked black walnut and concentrated bramble and apple jam. The scent of old antique leather, truffle oil and cedar cigar box waft seductively,
• as mellow maturity balances the richly sherried sweetness.
• Taste : Exquisite sherry cask maturation combining elegance, richness and complexity. Sip morello cherries in dark chocolate with a crescendo of blackberry jus.
• Finish : Savour black truffle, old-fashioned treacle gingerbread, prune and walnut oil lingering long into the richly satisfying finish.