Glen Breton Battle of the Glen 15 Year Old Canadian Single Malt Whisky
Glen Breton Battle of the Glen 15 Year Old Canadian Single Malt Whisky is an 86-proof (43% ABV) limited-edition single malt from Glenora Distillery in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia — 15 years in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, bottled in 2010 as a 4,200-bottle edition. The name commemorates Glenora's nine-year legal battle with the Scotch Whisky Association, which sued in 2000 claiming the word "Glen" would mislead consumers — and lost in 2009. The packaging even features press clippings from the coverage. In a 750mL bottle, it is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 15 years in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels
- Edition: 4,200 bottles, released 2010 — commemorates Glenora's 2009 legal victory over the Scotch Whisky Association
- Producer: Glenora Distillery, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia — 100% malted barley, Scottish copper pot stills
The Whisky That Beat the Scotch Whisky Association
In 2000, the SWA sued tiny Glenora over the word "Glen" in Glen Breton, arguing shoppers would mistake it for Scotch. Nine years later the claim was dismissed — and Glenora bottled this 15-year-old to celebrate, limited to 4,200 bottles with press clippings from the saga right on the packaging. The whisky itself earned Gold and Best of the World Single Malt 13 Years and Over at Whisky Magazine's 2011 awards, which rather settled the quality question too. Shop the Glen Breton collection and discover more Canadian whisky at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Fifteen years in American oak shows: orange zest and honey on the nose with a subtle smokiness, per the importer's notes. The palate brings pepper, cedar, lemon zest, hazelnut, and maple over a rich malt core. The finish is long and warming, with oak spice and dried fruit.
How to Enjoy
This is a collector's pour with a story — drink it neat and read the packaging. The 43% bottling takes a few drops of water well, opening the citrus and honey. Given the 4,200-bottle run, it is as much a piece of whisky history as a dram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Battle of the Glen?
It honors Glenora Distillery's nine-year legal battle (2000–2009) with the Scotch Whisky Association over the right to use "Glen" in Glen Breton — Glenora won.
How many bottles were made?
4,200 bottles, released in 2010 — a genuinely limited edition.
Is it finished in ice wine barrels like other Glen Bretons?
No — Battle of the Glen is 15 years in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels with no wine finish.
Order Battle of the Glen 15 Year Old online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — the bottle that won the right to say "Glen."