The Campbell Corner Whisk(e)y Co-operative (CCWC) launched last week at The Wild Rover with a masterclass on GlenDronach Distillery presented by visiting international guest Douglas Cook.
L-R: Douglas Cook (GlenDronach) and James Bradey (The Wild Rover)
Speaking at the inaugural event, James Bradey, co-owner of The Wild Rover introduced the 2-part consumer initiative. Members create a personal list of 50 drams that is an ‘Inventory of whiskies’ which is subsequently signed off by a staff member every time a whisky is purchased. Once 50 drams are reached, members can purchase from The Wild Rover’s Reserve Selection at discounted prices. In addition, there will be monthly tastings on a Monday night presented by whisky specialists such as International Ambassadors or Master Distillers.
GlenDronach Masterclass
Douglas Cook, GlenDronach’s Regional Sales Manager, introduced the Scottish Highlands distillery that dates back to 1826. The name means “valley of the brambles” in Gaelic, and the now independent company was previously owned by Pernod Ricard.
Owner Billy Walker was previously director of Burn Stewart. GlenDronach produces 1.5 million litres of whisky annually which is aged on-site at the distillery. All whiskies have natural colour from the oak barrels with no caramel colouring added.
GlenDronach Whisky
Three expressions were on taste starting with GlenDronach 12 yo Original (43% ABV) aged in a combination of Spanish oloroso casks which give it a dessert/spices character and Pedro Ximenez casks which are known to impart sweetness with an almost chocolaty flavour. The dram is copper in colour with a dark gold hue, it has a medium body, coating the interior of the glass. On the nose, there are dried fruits, raisins, sultanas, sweetness and an almost nutty aroma. On the palate, it has a creamy mouthfeel with a little spice, dried fruit and a medium finish.
GlenDronach 15 yo Revival (46% ABV) is aged exclusively in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. Dark mahogany in colour, the whisky is medium to full bodied. On the nose, it is drier than the 12 yo expression with spice, raisins, toffee, slightly winey with a hint of orange and chocolate. Chewy on the palate, it has a fruity character, with pears and a slight dryness from the sherry.
Named after its founder, GlenDronach 18 yo Allardice (46% ABV) is matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks. It has more concentrated sherry notes and wood notes on the nose with dried fruit and spice such a cinnamon and clove. Full bodied, slightly tannic, very chewy on the palate, it has loads of spice and a long oaky finish with hints of dark chocolate.
Douglas Cook
CCWC tastings are held monthly on Mondays. It costs $25 to join which entitles you to a shot of Bushmills 21yo Madeira Wood or Balvenie 14yo Roasted Malt. You fill a card with your details which is then kept behind the bar and signed off by a staff member every time you wish to try another whisky.
The next CCWC event will be with Anthony Wills, master distiller, owner and founder of Kilchoman Distillery on March 10th at 6:30pm.
The Wild Rover
75 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW
www.thewildrover.com.au
Photography © by Kevin Burke for Gourmantic – Copyright: All rights reserved.
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