The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
The GlenDronach Distillery has completed its newly renovated prestige visitor center in Aberdeenshire.
Founded in 1826 by James Allardice, The GlenDronach distillery has a noted identity as the home of a rich and full-bodied Single Malt Scotch Whisky, slowly matured in Spanish sherry casks. Inspired by a rich heritage and craftsmanship, the enhanced visitor’s center offers a new tasting room, whisky bar, lounge area and retail space.
The design draws inspiration from the distillery’s historic buildings, some of which date back as far as 1771, as well as the rich color and flavor profiles of The GlenDronach itself. The original natural stone walls are complemented by rich wood tones, marble, leather, understated brass accents and warm lighting; creating an inviting environment in which to explore and enjoy The GlenDronach. The elevated visitor’s center also displays a rich collection of both rare and historic GlenDronach expressions, including the distillery’s oldest bottle which was bottled in 1913 just before the outbreak of WWI.
Visitors will be able to explore the new tasting bar, which will offer a selection of GlenDronach flights and drams, alongside tea, coffee and other non-alcoholic refreshments. The distillery-exclusive Hand Fill gives GlenDronach connoisseurs a rare opportunity to fill, seal, label and sign their own cask strength bottle of The GlenDronach from a choice of two sherry casks.
This is the first refurbishment of the visitor’s center since Brown-Forman purchased The GlenDronach distillery in 2016. This recent investment has created six new jobs in the Scottish Northeast region, to welcome the growing number of whisky tourists to the historic Huntly-based distillery in the Highland whisky region. The space has been designed by expert brand home designers 1751, alongside Ross McNally from Glasgow-based design consultancy, Scarinish Studio.
Welcoming the opening of the enhanced visitor center experience, The GlenDronach Distillery’s Homeplace Manager, Jennifer Proctor, said,
“James Allardice was both a visionary entrepreneur and a warm and welcoming host, often inviting friends and neighbours into his home to share a dram of his ‘guid GlenDronach’. Our vision was to carry forth his hospitality and to bring the traditional craftsmanship of The GlenDronach to life, creating the perfect experience for our visitors to immerse themselves in the distillery’s rich heritage and our Highland Single Malts. Everything has been designed around the guest experience, from the striking circular table in our tasting room to the comfortable leather lounge area. With a range of tours also available, we look forward to welcoming everyone from the whisky curious to experienced aficionados to fully explore the home of The GlenDronach’s rich and full-bodied Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.”
Visit The GlenDronach Distillery visitor center and gift shop, with guided tours running regularly throughout the day or enjoy a dram at the whisky tasting bar. The Visitor center is open from 10am – 4:30pm, 7 days a week.
