Glenfarclas

Founded in 1836 by Robert Hay this distillery is today one of the oldest family owned distilleries still in operation.

Owned by the Grant family it is now in its 6th generation and still holds fast with the history of producing whisky predominantly matured in Oloroso Sherry butts..

The Sherry casks are obtained through a long standing relationship with the Jose y Miguel Martin bodega located in Huelva.

The distillery has the capacity to produce 3.5 million litres of alcohol per year from it 3 pairs of stills ( still direct fired ) one 16 ton semi Lauter mash tun and 12 stainless steel washbacks and with a capacity to hold 96,000 casks on site.

The distillery is also well known for the family cask collection that boasts an incredible collection of single casks from each year ranging back to the early 50’s although this is becoming increasingly harder to maintain due to stocks from certain years becoming extremely scarce..

Glanfarclas 2003 single cask for  Spirit of Speyside

This bottle was sold as a distillery Exclusive for the Spirit of Speyside festival held each year and is from one single Oloroso Sherry butt.

Distillery.. Glenfarclas

Region.. Speyside

Age.. 15-16 years old

Distilled.. 2003

Bottled.. 2019

Abv.. 58%

Cask.. #89 ( Oloroso )

Outturn.. 647 bottles

Cost.. £145

Nose.. Deliciously rich with Dates, raisins, figs and dark chocolate gently caressing the senses before candied orange, plums, blackcurrent jam and Black Forest gateau aromas with a soft tobacco, liquorice, vanilla and Turkish delight notes merge into an onslaught of decadent, seductive aromas.

Palate.. Warming, spicy and everything the nose promised.. Cinnamon, nutmeg, coffee, chocolate, dried fruits, candied orange, cherries all have their moment.

Finish.. Long and warming.

Thoughts.. You can’t help but fall in love with these single casks releases from Glenfarclas and when you actually compare this to the family casks they release them you understand what a bargain these actually are !!

This one in particular is a stunning example of a “ Sherry bomb “ whisky, it’s full of those delicious dark fruit notes that just scream Christmas to you..