BenRiach and GlenDronach scotch.

Limited-Edition BenRiach and GlenDronach Scotch Releases

READ TIME: 4 MIN.

BenRiach, one of Scotland's most innovative distilleries, and The GlenDronach, renowned for mastery of sherry cask maturation, have announced a series of rare and coveted limited releases as well as new older whiskey expressions. The single malt Scotch whiskeys are arriving in the U.S. in early winter and spring 2018, with a suggested retail price ranging from $95 to $1,100 per 750ml bottle.

Masters of Sherry Cask Maturation: The GlenDronach
The GlenDronach, one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, is renowned as the masters of sherry cask maturation and distinguished for true Highland style single malt Scotch whiskeys. Beloved by connoisseurs and patiently aged in sherry oak casks from Spain, The GlenDronach whiskeys offer sublime depth, balanced complexity and an extremely satisfying and long-lasting finish.

An Unconventional Speyside: BenRiach
BenRiach is an unconventional Speyside single malt producer with a "troika" of styles -unpeated, peated and triple-distilled-and a myriad of eclectic wood types. With an approach that is versatile, daring and innovative, it pushes the boundaries of malt alchemy like no other.

"Our limited releases represent some of the best and most sought-after whiskeys that our Master Blender Rachel Barrie crafts," says Stewart Buchanan, Global Brand Ambassador, BenRiach, The GlenDronach, and Glenglassaugh. "These remarkable drams are well-suited for accessible indulgences, special occasions or as outstanding and memorable gifts, and our new older whiskey expressions will enchant both our long-time fans and newcomers to the portfolio."


The GlenDronach - 24 Year Old Grandeur - Batch 9
This rare spirit is composed of whiskeys individually selected by the Master Blender from among the oldest and most unique Oloroso casks at The GlenDronach Distillery.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, it beckons with notes of baked quince, glazed cherries, roast chestnuts, and sandalwood. On the palate, notes of sherry-laced fruitcake, baked orange, raisins and black cherry emerge, followed by a velvety finish of dark chocolate mint, raisins, and angelica root.
SRP: $750/750ml
ABV: 48.7%

The GlenDronach Single CasksEach year The GlenDronach's Master Blender hand-selects casks from The GlenDronach's collection dating back to 1968. They include barrels, hogsheads, puncheons, and butts. These bottlings are the envy of whiskey enthusiasts who seek them out to complete their prized collections and are exclusive to the US market.

Tasting Notes on Single Cask #415 Aged 24 Years: Cherrystone on an oak smoke fire marries with toffee and licorice on the nose. The palate gives way to raisin oil, prunes, and leather with notes of blackberry, birch tar and lingering cassis.
SRP: $675/750ml
ABV: 51.8%

Tasting Notes on Single Cask #2257 Aged 27 Years: Plums, walnuts and warm leather on the nose mix with burnt orange-laced tobacco. The palate reveals sherry with nectarine nestled amidst chewy tobacco leaf soaked in cherry brandy with a walnut espresso cream finish.
SRP: $1,100/750ml
ABV: 52.9%


BenRiach Classic Cask Strength - Batch 2
Offers spirits aficionados the opportunity to enjoy BenRiach's single malt whiskey "straight from the cask." Master Blender Rachel Barrie hand-picked whiskeys finished in bourbon barrels, virgin oak casks and Oloroso sherry casks that were then blended together to create a balanced single malt.

Tasting Notes: An enticing aroma of toffee apple, apricot, and orange blossom, with notes of cr�me caramel, milk chocolate, almonds and nectarines on the palate, with a finish redolent of honey, vanilla with candied peel and green apple.
SRP: $95/750ml
ABV: 60.6%

BenRiach Single Casks
Each year, BenRiach's Master Blender selects a small number of casks that have developed to their peak of individual character. They include whiskeys that have been aged in virgin American oak barrels and port pipes. The whiskeys are individually hand-numbered, non-chill filtered and bottled with its natural color. Each is unique and exclusive to the US market.

Tasting Notes on 10 Year Virgin Oak Single Cask #7367: With an aroma of roasted red apples, dark chocolate and mint, it offers notes of barbecued red pepper, cloves, treacle and molasses on the palate.
SRP: $95/750ml
ABV: 59.4%

Tasting Notes on 12 Year Peated Port Wood Finish Single Cask #2683: On the nose, it exudes honeyed pecans, toffee, sweet balsam and oak resin, while on the palate, honey nut, charred sugar maple, and cinnamon toffee prevail.
SRP: $110/750ml
ABV: 53.6%

BenRiach Classic Aged 21 Years
Matured for at least 21 years in a combination of four types of casks: bourbon barrels, virgin oak casks, Pedro Ximenez sherry casks and red wine casks. The whiskey from these four kinds of wood has then been expertly blended together by BenRiach's Master Blender to create a superbly balanced malt, with each cask type adding unique notes to the taste experience.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, it evokes summer fruit compote with contrasting candied peel and warming ginger. On the palate, soft vanilla and cinnamon give way to tangy red fruits and citrus peel. Barley sugars and honeyed malt build into the long, sweet and satisfying finish.
SRP: $250/750ml
ABV: 46%

BenRiach Temporis Peated Aged 21 Years, Available April 2018
Meaning "time" in Latin, Temporis emulates the original character of Speyside malts in the 19th century. An eclectic mix of Bourbon barrels, virgin oak casks, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Oloroso sherry combine to result in a multi-faceted peated malt.

Tasting Notes: Aromas of caramelized pear and toasted oak spice fuse with honeyed peat and smoked pinewood. The palate reveals smooth, creamy peat with roasted orchard fruits and eucalyptus. Pineapple and star anise gradually appear with smoked cinnamon, lingering long into the sweet and smoky finish.
SRP: $265/750ml
ABV: 46%


This story is part of our special report: "In the Spirit". Want to read more? Here's the full list.

Read These Next