To celebrate my 600th follower I will have a wee dram of whisky, and why not also say a few words about it? Cheers and thanks for all of your support!
Most people who don't know much about the whisky industry, often imagine a distillery as something handed down from father to son for generations. Unfortunately, the truth is that today most distilleries are owned by large multinational companies in the spirits industry, where the whisky may be only a very small part. However, there are a few exceptions, and the Glenfarclas distillery in Speyside is such a family owned company that has been owned by the same family for generations. It's now the fifth generation represented by John LS Grant who's leading the company. The sixth generation, George S Grant, also working in the company for some years will most likely take over the leadership in the future.
Already in the early 1960s, it was decided that Glenfarclas, which by the way means ”The valley of the green Grass”, wouldn't be too dependent on the blending market for their survival. This meant that they could put away barrels for future bottlings as single malt, and that they now have whisky in stock from every year since 1952 and onward. They are also quite unique in that they don't sell any barrels to independent bottlers. No other distillery now has a better coverage of vintages! They are independent, and they are proud. This is also reflected in their whisky. Today I will be putting the 17 year old to the test. It's usually only available in travel retail, but the Swedish Systembolaget, the government owned chain of liquor stores in (Soviet) Sweden, has taken in a few bottles.
Glenfarclas 17
ABV: 43%
Region: Speyside
Age: 17
No artificial coloring.
Nose: Initially, you will find sweet maltiness (but not too sweet). Quite nutty, sherry, dried figs, vinous, fudge, light vanilla and bitter orange. Also fragrant oak in the background, but not as prominent as in the older ones. After a while I pick up dark chocolate, marzipan, slightly buttery and floral notes. It's a gentle and elegant nose that this Glenfarclas offer!
Palate: Spicy! Black pepper and cinnamon is tickling my tongue with clear flavors of both malt, citrus, oak and sweet pralines. Dark chocolate appears in the background, accompanied by leather and just a tiny a hint of peat smoke. A bit vinous and tart on the palette as well.
Finish: A medium finish where the pepper warms the lips and tongue. Oak notes, spices and a subtle hint of peat smoke lingers with sherry sweetness.
Conclusion: Not as heavy and complex as other Glenfarclas I've had, they are usually what I would call "sherry bombs", but a well balanced and elegant piece of work from one of my absolute favorite distilleries. A dram that leaves you begging for more. The verdict? A solid 86 points.