The GlenDronach Distillery has unveiled the launch of The GlenDronach Port Wood single malt Scotch whisky.

The GlenDronach Distillery was established in 1826 by Founder James Allardice, at a time when both sherry and port were “de rigueur,” the company says, with port pipes traveling along Portugal’s Douro River, destined for the wine cellars of Scotland. The GlenDronach Port Wood matured in the distillery’s signature Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, followed by a second maturation in port pipes from Douro Valley in Portugal. 

“The GlenDronach means ‘valley of the brambles’ in old Scots Gaelic. 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,” says The GlenDronach Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie. “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.” 

The GlenDronach Port Wood is bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered. It is available for purchase at retailers across the US. 

On the nose is Victoria plum, bramble and strawberry jam, the company reports, with top notes of cherry blossom and honeysuckle on a base of sandalwood and ginger. The palate is rich fruits: blackberry and roasted apple crumble with freshly baked gingerbread, developing into a baked orange and black cherry back-note. On the finish is orange peel, sultana and cherry cake lingering into rish fruit.

This follows the summer release of The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1989 Vintage.