The Glendronach 23 years 1990 Cadenhead's Bourbon Barrel - One of 162 - bottled 2013 Authentic Collection (Brown)

Scotland, Eastern Highlands/Speyside. Distillery operational. Owner: Brown Forman

It was under the wardship of Allied Domecq, the distillery's owners until the early 2000s, that Glendronach made a name for itself amongst fans of sherry cask single malts. As well as an outstanding, generous and distinguished 12 year old version, the 18 year old versions from 1972, 1976 and 1977 (written on the back of the bottle) particularly attracted the attention of connoisseurs. In the early 90s, several bottlings of The Glendronach 25 Year old 1968 produced for the Japanese market (ANA Edition) and American market (sold partly in Europe) caught the eye of those in the know and allowed a glimpse of the quality of the casks maturing in the distillery's vaults. But it would not be until 2008, with the arrival of Billy Walker at the helm, that this sleeping beauty would truly reveal her potential.As we begin the 21st century, while many have long ago swapped their Andalusian attire for a more round and consensual style, The Glendronach remains centre stage by regularly releasing single cask, vintage versions matured entirely in sherry casks, much to the delight of whisky collectors and enthusiasts.

A GlenDronach single cask distilled in 1990, matured in a bourbon cask and bottled in 2013 for the Authentic Collection. Cadenhead''s was founded in Aberdeen in 1842 by George Duncan. William Cadenhead then joined the company and, when George Duncan died in 1858, took over and renamed the business after himself. William’’s nephew Roberth Duthie developed the company in the early 20th century and it remained a family business until 1969. William Cadenhead Ltd was then sold to the Springbank distillery’’s owner J. & A. Mitchell and Co. Hedley G. Wright, a direct descendent of Archibald and John Mitchell, became William Cadenhead Ltd’’s CEO. In the past, Cadenhead had mainly sold its own brands, such as Putachieside, The Hielanman, Seven Stars and Green Label rums. Under Hedley G. Wright, the company began to take more of an interest in single malts. This led to the creation of the legendary collection of dumpy bottles in 1977. This series of single malts stood out for its very gentle filtration, lack of artificial colouring, and relatively high bottling strength for the time (80 proof/45.7% ABV). The labels included lots of information, including the month and year of distillation and bottling, and whether or not sherry casks were used. Also in 1977, the business moved to another address in Aberdeen, and finally to Campbeltown. In the 1980s, Cadenhead sold casks to legendary bottlers such as Samaroli and Corti Brothers through the subsidiary Duthie’’s. Finally, two new whisky ranges were created in 1991 and 1992, the Original Collection bottled at 46% and the Authentic Collection bottled at cask strength. Other special series to mark Cadenhead’’s major anniversaries (150 and 175 years), as well as new ranges launched since (Small Batch, World Whiskies, etc.), have all contributed to the company’’s ongoing history up to the present day. A limited edition of 162 bottles.