Kingsman – Old Forester meets GlenDronach at Passage Kino (Event) | BarleyMania

A few days ago, I received an e-mail from Florian Weiß of Kammer Kirsch – which is both a distillery in Southern Germany and an importer of brands like Arran, BenRiach, Glen Moray and GlenDronach. He invited me to a beautiful old-fashioned cinema in the city centre of Hamburg called Passage Kino. There, I not only got to attend an exclusive screening of “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” together with fellow whisky enthusiasts, but I was also given the chance to try GlenDronach’s new bottling called Kingsman Edition 1991 Vintage. Needless to say, there was no way I would let his invitation pass.

Right after entering the cinema’s foyer, Florian welcomed me and Tobi, who was my +1 that evening, with a glass of the afore-mentioned special bottling. The Kingsman Edition 1991 was created in cooperation with Matthew Vaughn, the acclaimed director of the “Kingsman” movies and other Hollywood blockbusters. He opted for a whisky from 1991 as this is the birth year of the movie’s protagonist Eggsy played by Taron Egerton. The liquid spent its entire time of maturation in sherry casks and is full of fruity and nutty notes. Bottled at an ABV of 48.2%, its long and warm finish starts with plums and grapes that are followed by tobacco, leather, chocolate and coffee. A perfectly balanced whisky which is, unfortunately, way out of my budget range. No more than 92 bottles found their way onto the German market, all of which sold out in next to no time for 700+ Euro each.

Luckily, the next sip we were offered was a bit more affordable. GlenDronach’s popular 12yo offers an extremely high value for money. This sweet and fruity whisky with notes of berries, vanilla, raisins and a hint of ginger is a perfect choice for pretty much any occasion. Definitely one of my favorites within the segment of original bottlings. After this, we met the second star of the evening. In some regard, the Statesman by Old Forester could be regarded as the Kingsman’s cousin from across the pond. Again, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that was created specifically for the second “Kingsman” movie. Though I am more of a Scotch guy than a Bourbon drinker, I really enjoyed the Statesman as it was not too sweet and offered nice notes of cloves, herbs, vanilla and eucalyptus. Of course, a pleasant caramel sweetness also plays its part in this whiskey’s tapestry of flavors. Sadly, it is not easy to get your hands on this bottling as it is not sold in Germany.

After the drams, we helped ourselves to some tasty fingerfood from the buffet and a cold drink before we were ushered into the theatre – a bag of sweet or salty popcorn included for every attendee. On the big screen, no less than five Academy Award winners were waiting for us in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”. The film was highly entertaining and packed with action, humor, special effects… and whisk(e)y! Yes, that’s right! Not only has part of it been filmed on location at the Old Forester distillery, but also would you not make it through the first hour if you turned this into a drinking game and gulped down a shot every time they talk or drink whisk(e)y on the screen. Though “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” runs for almost two and a half hours, not a minute of it feels dragged or wasted. It is not only a fun blockbuster for cinema fans but also a must-see flick for whisky enthusiasts!

by Aaron

GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1991 Vintage (Single Malt Scotch Whisky / 25yo / 48.2% / ~700.00 Euro)
GlenDronach 12yo (Single Malt Scotch Whisky / 12yo / 43% / ~35.00 Euro)
Old Forester Statesman (Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey / NAS / 47.5% / ~60.00 Euro)