The GlenDronach Distillery annonces over £30m investment to meet global demand

Brown-Forman has announced over £30m investment in The GlenDronach Distillery to significantly increase production facilities at its homeplace in the Valley of Forgue in Aberdeenshire. Global demand for The GlenDronach has tripled since 2016* as whisky connoisseurs around the world discover the distillery’s rich sherry cask matured Single Malts. The investment will steward long-term future growth for The GlenDronach.

This is the second phase of investment by Brown-Forman in the historic distillery after renovations of The GlenDronach Visitors’ Centre in 2020, which created an enhanced visitor experience with a new tasting room, whisky bar, lounge, and retail space. Proposed plans at the home of the richly sherried Highland Single Malt will build on centuries of whisky making heritage, dating back almost two-hundred years to the distillery’s establishment by James Allardice in 1826.

As part of the development programme, significant attention will be paid to preserve the proudly historic site and craft of fine whisky-making on the grounds of the former Boynsmill Estate, including the restoration of the former maltings building as a working production area. All existing buildings and the iconic courtyard will remain, retaining the rich heritage and traditional craft of whisky making at The Glendronach for future generations.

Briggs of Burton will serve as the principal contractor, along with Blyth & Blyth as civil architects. The three year phased project will prepare the distillery to more than double capacity and will improve operational energy efficiencies.

Laura Tolmie, Distillery Manager, said: ”As a small, traditional Scottish distillery, we’re very proud to be custodians of such a revered Single Malt at The GlenDronach. I’m delighted that this significant investment in the long-term future of the distillery is secured, preserving our rich heritage whilst ensuring we can meet the increasing demand for The GlenDronach at home and around the world .”

*Source: IWSR 2021

About The GlenDronach Distillery:

Nestled in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, is The GlenDronach, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. The GlenDronach is of true Highland style: a complex and full-bodied spirit, perfect for slow maturation in Spanish sherry oak. At The GlenDronach Distillery, we have carried forth the tradition of our founder James Allardice since 1826, maturing our Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía in Spain.

Our richly-sherried Highland Single Malts are recognised for their deep colour and complex flavour profiles, which range from the sweet fruity flavours of the Pedro Ximénez casks we select, to the dry and nutty notes of our Oloroso casks.

About Brown Forman:

For over 150 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee RTDs, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Coopers’ Craft, The GlenDronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh, Slane, Herradura, el Jimador, New Mix, Korbel, Sonoma-Cutrer, Finlandia, Chambord, and Fords Gin. Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by approximately 4,700 employees and sold in more than 170 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit www.brown-forman.com.

Source: Brown Forman