The story of GlenDronach begins in 1826, when James Allardice officially founded the distillery on the grounds of Boynsmill, a house later renamed Glen House. As one of Scotland’s first licensed distilleries, GlenDronach helped shape the legal whisky-making tradition at a time when illicit distillation was still widespread across the Highlands.
Just four years later, in 1830, the distillery was purchased by Walter Scott, a native of Teaninich. His tenure marked the start of a remarkable rise for GlenDronach. By the 1860s, the distillery had become one of the largest in the Highlands, supporting an entire village of over 50 residents, including workers and their families.
In 1920, ownership passed to Captain Charles Grant, the son of Glenfiddich’s founder, bringing further prestige and experience. Then, in 1960, William Teacher & Sons acquired the distillery and doubled the number of stills to four, enabling a significant boost in production. This strategic move cemented GlenDronach’s place in the world of rich, full-bodied single malts.
Despite a temporary closure by Allied Distillers in 1996, production resumed in 2002, marking a return to form. A few years later, in 2005, GlenDronach modernized its distillation process, transitioning from coal-fired to steam-heated stills—one of the last distilleries in the region to do so.
What truly sets GlenDronach apart is its mastery of sherry cask maturation. Like The Macallan, GlenDronach’s style is deeply influenced by Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, which contribute rich notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate, spice, and leather. This commitment to traditional cask ageing has earned GlenDronach a cult following among sherried whisky lovers worldwide.
In recent years, the distillery introduced a limited quantity of peated expressions, adding a layer of smokiness to its signature depth—without compromising its identity.
In 2008, GlenDronach joined the portfolio of BenRiach Distillery Company Ltd, and later became part of Brown-Forman Corporation in 2016, alongside BenRiach and Glenglassaugh. These acquisitions brought global resources while preserving the distillery’s traditional methods and character.
Today, GlenDronach produces over 1.4 million litres of spirit annually, using four stills (two wash, two spirit). Its sherried expressions such as the GlenDronach 12, 15 Revival, and 18 Allardice continue to define its luxurious, robust house style.
