The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Douglas Fraser
Rating: A+
Glenfarclas 25 Year Old Single Malt
(Credit: Douglas Fraser)
Glenfarclas (“Valley of the Green Grass”) Distillery stands out as an esteemed producer of Speyside style Scotch Whisky. Officially founded in 1836, there has been evidence found that supports theories that whisky-making on the site could have started around 1791. Bought in 1865 by John Grant and his son, the distillery continues to this day as a family-owned enterprise, operated by six generations of Grants. In that time, Glenfarclas has become known for producing Sherried, full-bodied malts.
The Whisky
Glenfarclas 25 is matured for 25 long years in first fill ex-Oloroso Sherry cask, then bottled at 43% ABV.
Upon pouring the deep golden liquid of Glenfarclas 25 into my copita, I was hit with wonderful aromas of sherry and oak which told me this was going to be heavily Sherried. The nose is very floral but sophisticated with complex but gentle notes of sherry, dark chocolate, oak, orange marmalade, and some hints of nuts. The palate is slightly smoky accompanied by coffee notes that arise with continuing hints of nuts, dark chocolate, oak, sherry, and leather. The finish is long and intense but still warm and welcoming with notes of cherry, cocoa, leather and oak. Glenfarclas 25 is a well-rounded, complex, and full-bodied whisky that is top shelf worthy, and is hands down one the best whiskies to pass my lips.
The Price
Glenfarclas 25 can be found for $175 in the US. In the UK, expect to pay £125, but some retailers (such as Costco) have carried it for as little as £100.
Given as a gift for an Indiana Pheasant hunt (among other sweet Kentucky treats). It had been nearly impossible to find again until the web-based ventures. Very enjoyable and there is no telling what my guest paid. But would love another bottle of the lovely nectar
I was able to find Glenfarclas 25 for $130 US plus $20 shipping. I have to be very careful with this, as one pour can quickly turn into 3 pours. The sweet sherry and oak are just dancing back and forth on your tongue. There is also a tangy flavor on the palate. Then far into the finish, a bit of chocolate and a sweet smoke starts to creep in, and stays with you for a very long time. An adventure in flavors, worth every penny, and will definitely be keeping a bottle of this on hand at all times. Second maybe only to GlenDronach Parliament 21 year among what I’ve tried (under $200). It is scotch like these that make a complete mockery of the high end, high dollar bourbons and ryes in flavor complexity.
Lucky lucky!
I agree that the price does not seem to match what is in the bottle. Such a great value. But, it cannot be compared to American whiskeys, and coming in at 43% apv, it does not compete with many flavor bombs coming in anywhere from 115 proof to upwards of 120+ proof. I would say it is like comparing a heavy weight to a lightweight fighter. Just cannot be done. It does not take away from the athleticism and skill of the lighter fighter. Nor does it take away from what this scotch is.