Glenfarclas 12 year | Whisky Lady

It has been a while since I picked up a Glenfarclas – one of those familiar friend whiskies that are a staple of any well-stocked bar. Now I will admit to having a soft spot for Glenfarclas – as they have remained a family-owned independent distilllery – across several generations – six and counting! So when I spotted this special release just for Germany I was lucky to get a bottle before it sold out!

Glenfarclas is known for using sherry casks and has kept a consistent range of expressions over the years – not veering into wild experimentation – instead sticking to tried and true traditional methods and maturation approaches.

This is why I thought it fitting to include this expression in our sherry evening in Nurnberg… and where we started our tasting evening!

Glenfarclas 12 year (2009/2021) 46% (Whisky.de Clubflasche)

Nose – Unmistakable sherry nose yet balanced, caramel, figs, dates, some sweet spices, raisins, a bit of sulfur/rubber with licorice, some maritime elements with a salty touch… overall light spice, sherry sweet with enough other elements going on to make it interesting
Palate – Much subtler than expected, nutty, and most enjoyable, perhaps even a hint of fresh tobacco leaf, it isn’t heavy yet quite well-rounded, and there is some oak joining the slightly salty nuts
Finish – A bit of spice lingers
Water – Not necessary but opens up nicely with!

While sometimes Glenfarclas can have an edge (especially the 105!), this one was smooth and satisfying. The longer it spent in the glass, the more enjoyable it became. With the revisit after sampling other sherry drams, we concluded it is simply a solid performer.

I purchased this whisky in October 2021 from whic.de for Eur 60.

Curious about other Glenfarclas experiences?

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From time to time we merry whisky adventurer’s from Mumbai have special visitors. This session from our ‘archives’ was hosted at the Four Seasons with George S Grant of Glenfarclas family in 2011.

For those unfamiliar with this family owned distillery, the following story is a good place begin:

“My great-great grandfather, John Grant, born in 1805, purchased Glenfarclas Distillery for £511.19s on the 8th of June 1865. To this day, Glenfarclas Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky is distilled and matured at our family owned and run distillery, which thanks to the foresight of my forefathers remains independent. Creating a great malt whisky is a time-honoured process. Here in the heart of Speyside, my family has cherished the skills and traditions of fine malt whisky making, handing them down through six generations. We are proud to share our secrets with you”. John L. S. Grant

We were fortunate to enjoy family tales, insights into whisky making and most importantly… tasting!

Our palates were teased by:

Glenfarclas 12 year 43%

A wonderfully well-rounded whisky and one well worth revisiting (plus without a scary price point!). Light gold colour, equally light nose and even palate. Slightly sweet and fruity with a soft finish. Pronounced a “fine daily sipping dram.”

Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength 60%

Clearly a Grant family favourite. George regaled us with the tale of how this was his grandfather’s whisky of choice. With great affection, spoke of how he used to deliver a few bottles each Monday to his grandfather to imbibe and share… only to discover years later his father also did the same – just on Thursday! Wily coot or not, his grandfather certainly enjoyed his drams.

Straight forward and without pretence, this is a solid, full flavoured woody whisky has just the right fruit and peatiness for balance. Remarkably smooth with a strong finish. Like many cask strength whiskys, it opened up superbly with a dash of water.

Glenfarclas 21 year 43%

At first, it was… not as strong an offering as anticipated. However once we truly cleared our palates of its powerful cask strength cousin, the 21 year came into its own. One member tasted a touch of kokum, another spoke of almonds with a hint of nimbu (lime) tartness. The smokiness and spice were welcome.

Glenfarclas 40 year 46%

One has to wonder why the best is always left to last? While we appreciate the practice of a ‘show stopper’ in fashion shows, after a few drams, it is a wee bit challenging to truly appreciate something quite so fine as the 40 year. It was indeed special with a dark gold colour, nose of nuts and raisins, rich chocolaty caramel flavour and the most divine finish that lingers and leaves one wanting more!

Though our private club is fiercely independent and remains staunchly unaffiliated with any particular brand, it was a delightful evening and a distinct pleasure to imbibe in such convivial a setting.

Anyone have a Glenfarclas favourite?