The GlenDronach Distillery recently announced the release of The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1989 Vintage, the second expression created in collaboration with filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, to mark the upcoming release of “The King’s Man”.
The Kingsman Edition 1989 Vintage was crafted by Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie, in collaboration with Vaughn, the Kingsman film franchise director, from a selection of just six casks from this rare vintage year. Matured in Oloroso sherry casks with a final maturation in Pedro Ximénez casks, this twenty-nine-year-old single malt is inspired by the oldest bottle of whisky housed at The GlenDronach Distillery – a twenty-nine year-old whisky bottled in 1913 (just before the outbreak of the first World War). Three friends had each purchased a bottle before leaving for war, vowing to open them together on their return. Tragically, only one of them returned home. Having never opened his bottle, his family later gifted it to the distillery, where it remains unopened and displayed in remembrance of fallen friends.
Fittingly, “The King’s Man” is set during World War I and uncovers the origins of the Kingsman. As a collection of history’s worst tyrants and criminal masterminds gather to plot a war to wipe out millions, one man must race against time to stop them. Like the Kingsman creed, The GlenDronach’s values of dedication and integrity have remained constant, passed down through the generations; impossible perfection built on unshakeable tradition.
“There is an important line which says, “Reputation is what others think of you, character is what you are,: said Matthew Vaughn. “Strength of character and dedication to upholding the highest values perfectly encapsulates the true spirit of both the Kingsman agency and The GlenDronach Distillery. I hope Kingsman fans around the world will enjoy this Single Malt as much as I enjoyed partnering with Rachel Barrie and The GlenDronach to create it.”
“Working closely with Matthew, I have selected casks of the most exceptional character for this rare 1989 Vintage, with smoldering aromas of dark fruits and sherry-soaked walnuts, vintage leather and cedar wood,” adds Dr. Rachel Barrie. “On the palate, dense autumn fruits meld with date, fig and treacle, before rolling into black winter truffle and cocoa. In the exceptionally long finish, notes of blackberry, tobacco leaf and date oil linger to conclude the rich tasting experience.
All 3,052 bottles have been labeled, numbered and wax-sealed by hand, each adorned with the Kingsman insignia. The gift box also bears the signatures of both Dr. Barrie and Vaughn.
The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1989 Vintage is available now for $1,299.
