The GlenDronach 15 is known as “Revival” for a couple of reasons, stemming from both its change in ownership and its period of being mothballed. Let's delve into the history and intricacies behind this name.
Firstly, the change in ownership of the GlenDronach distillery played a significant role in the naming of the 15-year-old expression as “Revival.” The distillery, located in the Highland region of Scotland, was acquired by BenRiach Distillery Company Limited in 2008. This change in ownership brought about a revitalization of the distillery, injecting new life and energy into its operations. The release of the GlenDronach 15 was a symbolic representation of this revival, signifying the resurgence of the distillery under new ownership.
However, there is another fascinating aspect to the name “Revival” that is tied to the years during which the distillery was mothballed. From 1996 to 2002, the GlenDronach distillery was temporarily closed and ceased production. During this period, the whisky already maturing in the casks within the distillery continued to age, unaffected by the absence of distillation. As a result, the whisky inside the GlenDronach 15 actually became older and older as the years passed.
This unintended consequence of the distillery's closure led to the whisky inside the GlenDronach 15 acquiring additional depth and complexity, making it a unique and sought-after expression. The name “Revival” aptly reflects this aspect of the whisky, as it represents the revival of the maturing spirits that were left undisturbed during the distillery's dormant years.
Personally, I find the story behind the name “Revival” quite intriguing. It showcases the dynamism of the whisky industry and the impact that changes in ownership and production can have on the final product. The GlenDronach 15, with its layers of flavors and the extra aging it underwent during the distillery's closure, embodies the spirit of revival in more ways than one.
To summarize, the GlenDronach 15 is called “Revival” because of the change in ownership that brought new life to the distillery. Additionally, the whisky inside the bottle became older and more mature during the years when the distillery was mothballed, adding an extra dimension to its character. The name “Revival” captures both the revitalization of the distillery under new ownership and the unexpected aging process that occurred during its dormant years.