The GlenDronach Distillery has announced the exclusive release of The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1989 Vintage, the second expression created in partnership with the Kingsman film franchise to mark the upcoming release of “The King’s Man” by 20th Century Studios and MARV.
Created in collaboration with the the writer-director-producer behind the Kingsman trilogy, Matthew Vaughn, and GlenDronach Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie, the Whisky was crafted from a selection of just six of the finest casks from this rare vintage year. Matured in Oloroso sherry casks with a final maturation in Pedro Ximénez casks from Spain, this twenty-nine-year-old Single Malt Scotch has an exceptional depth of character.
“The King’s Man” is set during World War 1 and invites audiences to discover the origins of the ‘very first independent intelligence agency’. 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.
The 1989 vintage 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.
Vaughn said: “There is an important line which says, ‘Reputation is what others think of you, character is what you are.’ 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.”
Barrie commented: “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. 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.
“This expression is deep in meaning, paying homage to fallen friends who bravely fought during WWI, and the depth of character and integrity shared by both The GlenDronach and the Kingsman agency. This is none other than a whisky truly fit for a King’s Man.”
A tarnished copper in color, the 1989 Vintage features a nose of dark field berry and plum skin on a base of aromatic bitters, sherry-soaked walnut and vintage leather, with smoldering cedar wood on a slate and earthen floor. The palate is filled with dense autumn fruits, which melt with date and fig rolling into black winter truffle, raisin and cocoa. Blackberry, tobacco leaf, and date oil linger into the rich, deep finish.
Only 3,052 bottles of the Highland Distillery’s Whisky will be released, and all have been labelled, numbered, and wax-sealed by hand, each adorned with an iconic, bespoke Kingsman insignia. The luxurious gift box also bears the signatures of both Dr. Rachel Barrie and Matthew Vaughn.
Coming in at 50.1% ABV, The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1989 Vintage was created for both whisky connoisseurs and Kingsman film fans around the world. The limited edition bottling will be available from specialist retailers worldwide from September 1st at the recommended retail price of $1,299.00.
The King’s Man is set to be released September 16th in the United Kingdom and September 18th in the United States.