The Highland distillery toasted its bicentennial with a seated dinner at the House of Tan Yeok Nee and unveiled a limited edition inspired by its founder’s love of hospitality
It made sense to celebrate one historic homestead inside another. To mark its 200th anniversary, The Glendronach took over the House of Tan Yeok Nee, the 19th-century Teochew mansion, for a seated dinner with media, bar clients, and private collectors.
The occasion recalls James Allardice, who founded the distillery in 1826 on the Boynsmill Estate in the Highlands’ “Valley of the Brambles”. Allardice secured Scotland’s second-ever whisky licence and became known for his charm, his wit, and the distinguished guests he hosted at Boynsmill House. As part of the bicentennial, the distillery has restored that residence and now opens it to guests by invitation only.
The new Boynsmill House Edition pays tribute to those gatherings. This 14-year-old single malt has been matured in The Glendronach’s signature Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. Master Blender Dr Rachel Barrie has also added a select number of Claret casks, a nod to the wines once served at Allardice’s table. The third cask brings red berry fruit to the house’s familiar richness. Barrie describes plush ripe malt, Highland toffee, bramble, and raisin, with stone fruit and plum leading to a mellow, velvety finish. It is bottled at 46.8% ABV in a lavender-hued box that depicts the house itself.
The evening also nodded to the other end of the scale: The Glendronach Aged 56 Years. It was distilled in 1968 and is the oldest bottling the distillery has released. Only 200 bottles exist, each housed in a hand-carved black walnut cabinet by John Galvin and priced at £35,000.
For most of us, the Boynsmill House Edition is the more attainable way to join the party. It is available now in Singapore through Malt & Wine Asia at S$220.
