GlenWyvis The Drover

GlenWyvis is unique. With nearly 4,000 members, it’s community-owned. Run as a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society, with many volunteers, a portion of proceeds go back into local communities through their GoodWill Fund. The distillery is also powered as much as possible by renewable energy sources including wind, hydro, solar, and biomass. It’s not all been plain sailing though. The project has long since fallen out with its originator, who still owns the farmland the distillery is built on (they have a 175-year lease), and with whom they’re now locked in legal disputes.

The whisky, however, is shaping up nicely. The Drover – part of their Highlad Legacy Series – is a limited release of 3,000 bottles matured in a wonderfully integrated combo of 37% Sauternes wine barrique, 30% Madeira hogshead, 21% first fill bourbon barrel, and 12% first fill oloroso sherry hogshead.