Scotland, Eastern Highlands/Speyside. Distillery operational. Owner: Brown Forman

It was under the wardship of Allied Domecq, the distillery's owners until the early 2000s, that Glendronach made a name for itself amongst fans of sherry cask single malts. As well as an outstanding, generous and distinguished 12 year old version, the 18 year old versions from 1972, 1976 and 1977 (written on the back of the bottle) particularly attracted the attention of connoisseurs. In the early 90s, several bottlings of The Glendronach 25 Year old 1968 produced for the Japanese market (ANA Edition) and American market (sold partly in Europe) caught the eye of those in the know and allowed a glimpse of the quality of the casks maturing in the distillery's vaults. But it would not be until 2008, with the arrival of Billy Walker at the helm, that this sleeping beauty would truly reveal her potential.As we begin the 21st century, while many have long ago swapped their Andalusian attire for a more round and consensual style, The Glendronach remains centre stage by regularly releasing single cask, vintage versions matured entirely in sherry casks, much to the delight of whisky collectors and enthusiasts.

A Glendronach 12 Year Old bottled in the 1980s. When this whisky was distilled, the distillery was owned by William Teacher & Sons. At the time, the stills were coal-fired and brewer's yeast was used, which gave the whisky an oilier and more exotic character, very unlike its contemporary equivalent.