Glenfarclas 21 yo
Hooray for the independents!
Glenfarclas is still family owned, and independently operated, by J. & G. Grant – not the William Grant & Sons of Glenfiddich fame, making it a real one of a kind distillery compared to today’s modern business models.
Also, Glenfarclas’ 6 stills, the largest in the highlands, are still gas fired today.
Some other crazy trivia I can’t verify – “Glenfarclas is in Guinness Book of Records for the strongest malt whisky available in a distillery’s official bottling.” What?!
Glenfarclas 21 yo
Nose: Raisins and fruitcake, pears rolled in demerara sugar. Spearmint. Very complex but well integrated nose.Then black tea and cocoa dust. Old oak and trace of nutmeg appears, something very herby too. Thyme.
Palette: Immediately warm and sweet yet so smooth. Very complex on the tongue, loads of herbs and, to a lesser degree, dessert spices. Mild pepper keeps up the heat. Mentholated, and becomes spicier towards the finish.
Finish: Long and lingering, herby – thyme again?
Not a massive punch in the face but very drinkable, and for a 21 year old, very affordable. Elegantly put together, this stuff holds it’s own against other sherried whiskies, with style to boot!
Would have this with dark chocolate, or dried figs.
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