The £45 ‘hidden gem’ Highland whisky that’s been named as ‘drinkers’ favourite’ in new report

A Highland single malt has been given top ratings as a ‘drinkers favourite’ in a recent report.

Published 26th Apr 2024
Updated 29 th Apr 2024

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A recent report from Whiskystats, a whisky data analysis company, looked at - amongst other things - the perception of brands with consumers.

One of these - a Highland whisky - that comes up tops as a drinkers' favourite is The Glendronach.

The report states: “Glendronach and Port Charlotte shine with top ratings. Among active Scotch producers, Glendronach and Port Charlotte emerged as drinkers’ favourites in terms of average ratings for their 2023 releases.”

Highland whisky drinkers' favourite
Picture: OurWhisky Foundation/Jo Hanley

These ratings come from Whiskystats platform, Whiskybase.com which is a global platform with almost 3 million ratings.

Like in 2022, Glendronach's 2023 releases received the highest average (Whiskybase) rating among all still-producing Scotch whisky distilleries. 

The highest-rated 2023 Glendronach releases are the 29-year-old Grandeur and 1993 Hand-filled with both 92/100 rating points.

The number of ratings any Glendronach whisky received also increased by 10%, signalling a solid growth in consumer interest.

The GlenDronach is located in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, and is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. The GlenDronach is seen as a classic Highland style: a complex and full-bodied spirit, and their whiskies are matured in fine sherry casks. 

Founded in 1826 by James Allardice, the distillery has had many owners including Captain Charles Grant and William Teacher and Sons, before it was mothballed in 1996 before being reopened in 2002.

Spirit of Speyside 2024 whisky award winners - including Glenfiddich and Aberlour

In 2005 Chivas took over, before the BenRiach Company acquired it in 2008. Brown-Forman, the current owners, took over in 2016. Former owner, and legend, Billy Walker, has spoken about his regret in selling this - and the BenRiach distillery.

Highland whisky drinkers' favourite

The Glendronach’s core range consists of four whiskies - The Original (12 year old), Revival (15 year old), Parliament (21 year old) and Allardice (18 year old) and, you can pick up The Glendronach 12 year old for around £45.

The Glendronach’s master blender is  Dr Rachel Barrie, an award-winning and well respected figure in the industry. 

The GlenDronach Distillery, Huntly, UK
The GlenDronach Distillery, Huntly, UK, AB54 6DB
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Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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