GlenDronach

Glendronach is one of Scotland's most charming and oldest distilleries. In 1825, James Allardice led a group of local farmers and merchants to build this distillery. He made such a profound impression on the local noble, the Earl of Huntly, that he was introduced into London social circles and became known as "Glendronach the Guide." However, a fire in 1837 nearly destroyed the distillery, and Allardice went bankrupt five years later. Most partners withdrew at this point, replaced in the 1850s by a new group (most of the current distillery buildings date from this period). The managing partner was Walter Scott from Falkirk, who became sole proprietor in 1881. After his death in 1886, Glendronach was taken over by another partnership, this time a Leith wine merchant and a Campbeltown distiller. Under their management, operations ran smoothly (they even provided the first manager for Ardmore distillery under Teacher's), until 1920 when Charles Grant, youngest son of Glenfiddich's founder, purchased it for £9,000. In 1960, Charles Grant's son sold the distillery, a 1,000-acre farm, and a herd of Highland cattle to William Teacher & Sons. The distillery's output had long been a key component of Teacher's and Walker's blends. Glendronach expanded from 2 to 4 stills between 1966 and 1967, and was then mothballed between 1996 and May 2002. When Allied Domecq was broken up in 2005, Teacher's was assigned to Fortune Brands, while Glendronach Distillery went to Chivas Brothers under Pernod Ricard. On July 25, 2008, Pernod Ricard announced the sale of the distillery to Billy Walker of BenRiach Distillery, who greatly developed the brand. On April 27, 2016, Billy Walker announced the sale of Glendronach, BenRiach, and Glenglassaugh to Brown-Forman, parent company of Jack Daniel's, for £285 million. Mr. Walker said: "Brown-Forman will certainly be able to elevate the brands of Glendronach, BenRiach, and Glenglassaugh to new heights, unleash their full potential, and prove themselves worthy guardians of these historic distilleries."

Once, Allardice was dining at Gordon Castle. He'd had a bit too much to drink and was overly enthusiastic in praising the Duchess of Gordon's piano playing. The next morning, the Duke informed him that his wife was rather displeased. Allardice replied: 'Well, Your Grace, that's because the Glenlivet you poured me after dinner last night doesn't agree with me. If it had been GlenDronach, whose distillation I supervised, I wouldn't have made such a spectacle of myself.' The Duke immediately ordered a cask of GlenDronach.