Glendronach Revival 15 Year Highland Single Malt Whisky 700ml

GlenDronach Revival 15 Year marks the triumphant return of a beloved expression that was discontinued in 2015, much to the dismay of whisky enthusiasts worldwide. This 2018 relaunch under Rachel Barrie's guidance maintains the original's character while showcasing GlenDronach's continued access to exceptional sherry casks. The name 'Revival' now carries double meaning – both the whisky's return and the renaissance of GlenDronach under dedicated ownership. The reborn Revival maintains the original recipe of maturation exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, creating a darker, drier profile than the PX-influenced 12 and 18-year expressions. This middle child in the core range offers unique character – more complex than the 12, more vibrant than the 18. The 15-year maturation hits a sweet spot where sherry influence is profound but the spirit maintains freshness and vitality. In the glass, Revival presents deep amber with copper highlights, lighter than the 18 but richer than the 12. The nose immediately showcases why this expression was so missed. Oloroso's influence dominates with dry, nutty character – think roasted almonds and walnuts rather than sweet fruits. But complexity quickly emerges: dark chocolate, espresso, leather, and tobacco. The Highland spirit provides backbone with evolved honey, subtle smoke, and surprising hints of sea salt. There's an elegance here that sets Revival apart from its siblings. On the palate, Revival 15 delivers sophisticated dryness that showcases Oloroso's true character. The texture is rich but not cloying, carrying flavors that emphasize nuts and spices over fruit sweetness. Initial impressions of roasted almonds and dark chocolate give way to more complex notes: espresso with brown sugar, leather with honey, subtle smoke with orange peel. The 15-year maturation shows in the integration – nothing feels separate or forced. Mid-palate brings classic GlenDronach character transformed by dry sherry: butterscotch becomes toffee, fruit becomes marmalade, smoke becomes incense. The finish is long and sophisticated, with Oloroso's dry character providing structure throughout. Nutty flavors linger alongside dark chocolate and coffee, while gentle oak tannins add sophistication. There's no excessive sweetness here – just well-balanced complexity that showcases a different side of sherry maturation. The very end brings together all elements: nuts, chocolate, subtle smoke, and evolved Highland character. Revival 15 Year's return has been met with deserved acclaim. It fills a crucial gap in GlenDronach's range, offering sherry fans a drier, more sophisticated option. This isn't just a replacement for the original but an evolution, benefiting from improved cask selection and blending expertise. For those who mourned its loss, Revival's return is cause for celebration. For newcomers, it offers a masterclass in how Oloroso sherry can create complexity beyond simple sweetness.