Welcome to The Dram Dispatch — And Meet Glendronach 12!

Welcome to The Dram Dispatch

Welcome to the inaugural issue of The Dram Dispatch, your essential guide to the world of whisky investment, education, and appreciation. Whether you're taking your first sip or adding to a seasoned collection, we're here to navigate the complex and rewarding world of whisky together.

We'll explore the four pillars that make whisky fascinating: Market Intelligence & Investment, Tasting Notes & Reviews, Behind-the-Scenes Access, and Educational Content. Today, we begin with a dram that perfectly embodies the artistry and investment potential of Scotch whisky.

Mid-Week Dram Featured Whisky: Glendronach 12 Year Old Original

Price Point: $50-65 / £45-55 | ABV: 43% | Region: Highland (Speyside)

For our first featured whisky, we've chosen Glendronach® 12 Year Old Original—a bottle that tells the story of modern whisky's evolution while remaining accessible to newcomers and compelling to connoisseurs. This is sherried Scotch whisky at its most approachable, yet sophisticated enough to warrant serious consideration.

Market Intelligence & Investment

The Brown-Forman Effect

Glendronach's investment story is one of the most compelling in modern whisky. Global demand for The Glendronach has tripled since 2016, coinciding with Brown-Forman's £285 million acquisition of the distillery. This American spirits giant (owner of Jack Daniel’s ®, among others) has committed to substantial growth, with over £30m investment in The Glendronach Distillery to significantly increase production facilities.

Market Position

• Current Retail: £45-55 (widely available)

• Auction Performance: Stable secondary market with minimal premium

• Investment Thesis: Production capacity doubling suggests future scarcity of current bottlings

• Risk Assessment: Low-risk entry point with moderate appreciation potential

Glendronach 12 Auction Snapshot (Past 12 Months):

• Average hammer price remains steady ($50-70 USD retail, $45-60 USD at auction).

• Older bottlings (especially pre-2015) continue to climb in value.

• Recent trend: enthusiasts buying Glendronach 12 as a “daily drinker,” freeing up budget for higher-end collecting.Looking Ahead

The distillery’s plans include restoring the historic Boynsmill ahead of its 200th anniversary in 2026. This milestone, combined with expanded production, positions Glendronach for significant market expansion. Current bottlings may become increasingly desirable as the brand scales.

Tasting Notes & Review

Visual Assessment

Deep amber-red gold color immediately signals the sherry cask influence. The liquid clings to the glass, suggesting good body and concentration.

Nose

Sweet, creamy vanilla, hints of ginger, spiced mulled wine and pear. The aroma is inviting without being overwhelming—perfect for newcomers while offering complexity for experienced palates. There's a distinct Christmas spice character that makes this whisky feel celebratory.

Palate

Warm, rich oak and sherry sweetness, full mouth feel, raisins and soft fruits. Matured exclusively in a combination of Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks, the whisky delivers exactly what it promises—rich, fruity, and warming without being cloying.

Finish

Long, spicy with full and firm, slightly nutty dry finish. The finish is where Glendronach 12 shows its sophistication, with lingering warmth and complexity that invites another sip.

Behind-the-Scenes Access

The Valley of Forgue

The distillery was founded in 1826 by James Allardice as the second distillery to apply for a licence to legally produce whisky under the Excise Act 1823. Nestled in Aberdeenshire's Valley of Forgue, Glendronach has maintained its commitment to traditional methods while embracing modern investment.

Production Philosophy

This non-chill filtered whisky is presented at 43%, preserving the whisky's natural character. The exclusive use of sherry casks—both Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso—creates the signature Glendronach profile that has made it a favorite among sherried whisky enthusiasts.

The Brown-Forman Vision

Under new ownership, Glendronach has maintained its traditional character while scaling production. Master Blender Rachel Barrie states: "For me, The Glendronach is a surprise, a revelation, and a flavour crescendo. At first taste, it has this amplification that's so much richer than your expectations." This perfectly captures the brand's philosophy of exceeding expectations.

Educational Content

Understanding Sherry Cask Maturation

Pedro Ximénez (PX) Casks:

• Made from casking sun-dried grapes

• Impart rich, dark fruit flavors

• Add sweetness and viscosity

• Contribute to the whisky's amber color

Oloroso Casks:

• Aged oxidatively (exposed to air)

• Provide nutty, complex flavors

• Add depth and complexity

• Contribute to the whisky's structure

Reading the Label

When examining Glendronach 12:

• Age Statement: 12 years minimum maturation

• Non-Chill Filtered: Retains natural oils for fuller mouthfeel

• 43% ABV: Optimal strength for both neat consumption and cocktails

• Natural Color: No artificial coloring—the amber hue comes from the sherry casks

Tasting Tips for Beginners

1. Neat First: Try a small sip without water to understand the full character

2. Add Water: A few drops can open up additional flavors

3. Temperature Matters: Room temperature is ideal—avoid ice initially

4. Take Time: Allow the whisky to rest in the glass for 5-10 minutes

The Dram Digest Tip

If you’re a collector:
→ Hunt older Glendronach bottlings with the older-style labels—they’re increasingly scarce and climbing in price.

If you’re a drinker:
→ Glendronach 12 is one of the best value pours in whisky. It’s perfect to share, explore, or simply unwind with on a cool evening.

Community Corner

What’s your favorite sherried dram under $75?
Hit reply and let me know — I’d love to feature your picks in a future newsletter!

Santé!

Thanks for sharing this first dram with me. Here’s to many more whisky discoveries together.

Nick
aka Nick on the Rocks

PS: Next week, we’re diving into a hidden gem from Speyside — stay tuned!