Glenfarclas 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

With an inventory to rival the likes of Macallan, Glen Grant and Glenlivet, Glenfarclas have tapped into their deepest whisky stocks launching a 50-year-old malt. It’s not the first time the venerated producer has released an expression this old - a 2016 was part of a Collector Series and a 2019 sherry matured expression was another, both offered in extremely limited quantities). Capping off winning Distiller of the Year at the 2023 Icons of Whisky Awards, the latest bottling is intended to celebrate Chairman John Grant’s five decades in the whisky industry. He is one reason why the brand itself has remained independent in a world of rampant distillery conglomeration. Selected by Distillery Manager, Callum Fraser and Managing Director, Douglas Belford, the liquid takes you back a half century to when Douglas MacDonald led the operation.

“Creating products like Glenfarclas 50-Year-Old is the reason I come to work,” said Fraser. “To me, this dram is exquisite. It has an incredible depth of character and showcases every element of the whisky making process–from the earthy smell of the dunnage warehouse through to the light, natural smokiness of the Speyside peat that was used back then and the unique taste of the water we use in our production process. A whisky that evolves over time, both on the nose and on the palate, is truly exciting as it’s ever changing and developing. I hope the distillery manager in 50 years time is as impressed as I am by the quality of the spirit we are laying down for the future, today.”

With a full term in Spanish sherry casks, official tasting notes include marzipan, almond and cedar on the nose, followed by a touch of smoke, stewed apple, dark chocolate and toffee on the palate. Limited to just 836 bottles globally, the liquid is contained in a Glencairn vessel encased in a sleek presentation box with sliding latch door. Typically, prices increase exponentially once age statements exceed 25-30 years. No question this edition belongs in very exclusive company, but compared with what Macallan, Glenfiddich or Bowmore at fifty years of age would fetch, the outlay for this rarity remains reasonable. Investment grade / collectable. Very limited stocks.