Glenfarclas 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - Plus Bonus 40 Year Old Miniature

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

With the Edrington group having priced extra-aged Macallans well beyond the reach of the average wallet, (pay $2000+ for the 25YO) Sherry enthusiasts searching for that something special have few options left. Enter Glenfarclas: When you buy a bottle of this you not only support one of Scotland's only independent family-owned distilleries, you get a first rate whisky at a more than fair price. Add in 100% Oloroso Sherry cask maturation, and the deal gets even sweeter with this direct import 25 year old.

"Shows some staggering age - seemingly way beyond the 25-year age statement." - Jim Murray.

Tasting note: Bright gold with a pale straw hue. Some real class and depth to the nose which offers powerful aromas of prune, roasted nuts, honey and freshly polished floorboards. Smells expensive. Mouthfilling, and with an unexpected degree of 'tingle' for whisky of this age. Glorious at mid palate, serving up delicious honey and dried fruit flavours over rich, spicy, sugar-laced malt. Medium long with a delicate aftertaste of dried fruit and sweet leather. Aristocratic. Would make a perfect after dinner malt. Some tasters drew comparisons with Macallan 18. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2009.

Tasting notes for the 40 Year Old: Deep burnished copper. Seductive opening wafts of date cake, walnut fudge and shortbread. Ten minutes exposure amplifies the dried fruit aspect adding orange zest, muscat-like sugars and rancio. Quite stunning length as this expands across the tongue. A slow motion saturation of orange cake, fig slice, aged muscat, rancio and late oak delivering cognac-like finesse and vitality in reserve. One expects it could easily take another decade. Remains a high point in the range. 46% Alc./Vol. 96 points

Other reviews... Glenfarclas has a proven track record for aging very well. I’ve enjoyed some amazing 25 and 30 year old expressions, in addition to some older vintage offerings. Does this new 40 year old follow suit? Absolutely! It’s complex and well-rounded, with great depth and no excessive oak. Lush, candied citrus (especially orange), old pot still rum, maple syrup, fig, roasted nuts, and polished leather, with hints of mocha, candied ginger, and tobacco. A bit oily in texture (which I find soothing) with good tannic grip on the finish. A classic, well-matured Glenfarclas — and a very good value for its age. (Editor's Choice)
95 points - www.maltadvocate.com, Reviewed by: John Hansell (Fall 2010)

94 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible