Glendronach Revival 15 Year Old and Original 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

let’s begin

Part of the core range, Glendronach Revival should be staples in your drinks cabinet.

the brand

Glendronach are currently owned by BenRiach but were started in 1826 by James Allardice. Allardice was something of a wizard in his day and was well known for his business acumen.

In 1826 he started Glendronach with three other investors. It was built on the Boynsmill Estate that Allardice inherited in 1800.

The distillery mulled along fairly well over the following decades and at one point was paying the largest duty tax of any distillery in Scotland.

They survived well through 1900s but unfortunately were mothballed in 1996. They opened again in 2002 and later sold to BenRiach in 2005, who remain the owners today.

The Glendronach Revival 15 Year Old And 12 Year Old

These two expressions are excellent examples of Glendronach malt.

The 12 Year Old Original is packed with Sherry flavours having been matured in both oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks.

Tasting notes for the Glendronach Revival 12 Year Old

Bottle cost: £43.45

The nose opens with gentle notes of orchard fruits and a warming Sherry spice that is reminiscent of Christmas cake. There is also a creamy caramel and vanilla sweetness that adds a bit of depth overall.

The palate really boasts the caramel, especially in the mouth fee, and the vanilla comes alive, with hints of oak wood.

The spices mix well with the sweetness and the warmth is comforting and homely. Dried fruits add a chewy texture and are mouth wateringly lovely against with the spices and caramel.

The finish is soft and easy-going, with a slight dryness and more vanilla.

Tasting notes for the Glendronach Revival 15 Year Old

Bottle cost: £62.95

The 15 Year Old Revival, so called after having ceased production in 2015, was brought back in 2018.

It initially went on sale exclusively at the distillery but can now be bought in selected retailers around the world. This malt has been matured in Pedro Ximenez and oloroso Sherry casks sourced from Andalucia.

It begins with a nose full of amaretto and cherries. It is wonderfully sweet and elegant, with hints of chocolate and a slight coffee bitterness.

Citrus fruits and sweet nuts also come through, adding a lovely zest.

The palate is rich and brimming with flavour. It has apricots, raisins, figs, dates and pears, all smothered in caramel and cinnamon, with a hint of brown sugar.

More cherries appear with some delicate oak notes. These develop into honey, which lends a lovely smooth mouth feel. Chocolate also comes through and goes especially well with the fruits.

The finish is bold and sweet, with a little hint of spice and oak.

These drams are brilliant creations from Glendronach and should feature heavily in your drinks cabinet.

What do you think of the Glendronach Revival 15 Year Old and 12 Year Old? Tell us in the comments!

Tags: BenRiachGlenDronachGlendronach Original 12 Year OldGlendronach Revival 15 Year OldScotland
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Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.

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