In these intoxicating times of neo-whisky appreciation, we cannot deny that we as a staff are consuming more single malt than ever in our thirty-plus year history. The world has rediscovered its love affair with Scotch and our motivation to bring K&L customers the best whisky deals possible has never been stronger. But that level of consumption does not come without a price. The Scottish whisky industry has seen its star rise over the last decade, but there have been and will continue to be casualties of that success. When you drink whisky faster than the distilleries can age it, shortages arise. In the case of Glendronach, perhaps our favorite Highland distillery and one of our closest partners, the iconic sherry-aged whisky has recently announced the discontinuation of the 15 year expression; one of the most popular whiskies we sell. They’re hoping to get production back online in 2018, but for the time being we’re planning on a three year gap. What we have left is all she wrote, so if you’re a fan of the dark, supple, rich and round character of the Glendronach single malt, now is the time to load up.

Glendronach 15 year old “Revival” Distillery Bottling Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($89.99)

93 points Whisky Advocate: “Deeper, richer, more viscous, and more intriguing than the 12 year old (and not as sappy as the 18 year old). Complex and intriguing, with raisin, orange marmalade, grape skin, sugar plum, cinnamon bun, raspberry preserve, mixed nuts, and coal ash. Nice tannic grip on the finish. The best of the bunch, and very impressive! (Summer 2010) Reviewed by: John Hansell”

K&L Notes: Distillery notes: “Renowned amongst many whisky enthusiasts around the world, this remarkable and full bodied malt is matured for a minimum of 15 years in the finest Oloroso sherry casks. Bottled at 46%, the GlenDronach Revival is non chill filtered and of natural colour. A truly excellent single malt. Appearance: Deep gold with a lovely mahogany heart. Nose: Incredible concentration of aromas. Treacle toffee and chocolate orange. Palate: A very dynamic and full bodied dram for its age. Chewy with coffee chocolate and treacle scones. Conclusions: A veritable feast to enliven the senses.”
href=”http://www.klwines.com/PersonalReviews/Bio?PRID=163&ReviewerType=S”>David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 19, 2015

Big rich sherry flavor for those who like their single malt dark like coffee.

James Knight | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 05, 2014

I like Scotch ale, the “wee heavy” beer, and I like this Glendronach 15-year “Revival.” It’s more than a wee bit richer than the 12. It’s spicy, and smoky; candy apples smoking cigarettellos at a pumpkin pie party. Comparisons? Here’s my take: Spicier than Glendronach 12; not quite as intense as Aberlour A’bunadh….but getting there. Way more fiery than Macallan 12, but super sherried and rich. A sort of Lagavulin 16 ashiness on the palate, perhaps. A powerfully inviting detour.

While the older Glendronach whiskies are becoming scarce, that doesn’t mean our friends in Scotland aren’t working on bolder, younger expressions of supreme quality. Glendronach recently released batch three of their cask strength series and we couldn’t have been more blown away by the whisky. While there will be subsequent releases of the cask strength edition over the next few years, supplies will be limited and infrequent. Grab what you can while it’s here!

K&L Wine Merchants

http://www.klwines.com/

Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)

Email: wine@klwines.com

San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA