This whisky forms part of The Master’s Anthology, a new trio of single malts from the Highland distillery of Glendronach. The series is designed to showcase the distillery’s use of premium ex-sherry casks, sourced from southern Spain. It has been created by Dr. Rachel Barrie – the award-winning Master Blender for Glendronach. The Ode To The Dark is the richest whisky of the trio. It has been matured solely in ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.
Ode To The Dark is joined by two other expressions in The Master’s Anthology. The Glendronach Ode To The Valley is a celebration of its Aberdeenshire home. The whisky has been matured in a combination of ex-sherry and ex-Ruby Port casks. Ode To The Embers is a rare peated expression of Glendronach. It has been matured in ex-Oloroso and ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The whisky is made using malted barley dried with local Highland peat.
The Glendronach distillery was founded in 1826 by James Allardice and is located in rural Aberdeenshire. It is in the villagie of Forgue, close to the town of Huntly. The majority of the present buildings date from 1850 when the distillery was rebuilt following a devastating fire. It was the last single malt distillery in Scotland to use stills directly fired by coal. This practice only ceased in 2005.
The distillery is known for its use of high quality ex-sherry casks. It is currently owned by Brown-Forman, who took control in 2016. The annual production is two million litres, although a major expansion is ongoing. Glendronach translates as ‘the valley of the brambles’ from local Gaelic.
Ode To The Dark enrobes velvet chocolate over dark plum and black cherry, caramelised dates and coffee, to bask the Glendronach in rich splendour.
Dr. Rachel Barrie.
The Glendronach Ode To The Dark is bottled at 50.8% ABV. The Master’s Anthology was launched in December 2025 and is available now in Germany and the UK. It will get a wider world release during 2025. All three bottlings are non-chill filtered and of natural colour. A bottle of Ode To The Dark will cost £77/ €93.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is deep amber and the nose is bold, rich and expressive. Aromas of milk chocolate, prunes and raisins lead the way and are supported by a distinct nutty character. This is reminsicent of brazil nut, hazelnut praline and old walnut furniture. There is a meaty, earthy and savoury undertone that gives a distinct umami vibe. Hints of bitter orange, earthy malt and dried mushroom sit in the background.
On the palate this whisky is rich, thick and viscous. It fulls the mouth with luscious and bold flavours. It is very nutty again with the praline-like note shining through brightest. There are plenty of chocolate and cocoa powder characteristics, then plump sugary raisins and brandy soaked prunes. Hints of black treacle, molasses and bitter orange (maybe marmalade?) are also evident. A lovely jammy note, which is reminscent of apricot compote, sits underneath.
This whisky is very much sweet then savoury. Later on the palate, the savoury and umami notes evolve superbly to marry with and compliment the sweeter elements. The dried mushroom characteristic is back and joined by something reminsicent of a savoury chutney and the meaty yeast extract from the nose. These give the whisky incredible depth, complexity and intensity.
The finish is surprisingly short given the rich intensity of the whisky. The bold sweetness and fruity characteristics fade away to reveal the drying nuttiness and a hot peppery spice. This does linger to drag the finish out a little and dry the mouth out.
What’s The Verdict?
The Glendronach Ode To The Dark is a robust and very grown-up single malt. It takes no prisoners and will be a must buy purchase for anyone that loves a big sherry bomb style of whisky. It is very much sweet and rich, then savoury and drying. The heady combination is superb. The distinct umami and savoury elements add a sophistication to the experience of drinking this, which we were not expecting. A fine example of the intense sherried style. Delicious.
