Glenfarclas 17 Years Review

Country: Scotland 

Region: Highland/Speyside

Brand: Glenfarclas

Type: Single Malt Whisky

Age: 17 Years

ABV:  43 %

Date: 13/01/2014

Colour: Amber/Copper

Nose: I immediately get Sherry, Toffee/Butterscotch, Raisins and light Earthy Peat. It takes a while before the Glenfarclas 17 years releases more Aromas so be patient. After a while I get Orange Peel, Berries, Hazelnut Paste, Espresso, some Floral and Herbal tones, Honey, Malt, light Spices and a trace of Mint. The Alcohol is not completely integrated. The Nose is similar to the 15 Years I nosed earlier but more restrained.

Palate: Slightly Thin and Herbal with Sherry, Malt, Toffee, Pencil Shavings, Dried Fruit, Orange Peel, Honey, Brown Sugar, Rum, Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves and Licorice. I believe that an ABV of 46% would benefit this Glenfarclas.

Finish: Middle-Long with Sherry, Pencil Shavings, Citrus, Nuts, Licorice, Pepper and a very clear note of Cloves that stays with you for quite a while.

I added some Water and Malt, Orange and Honey appear more clearly. Oak and Spices start to dominate Palate and Finish. I prefer it Neat but there is room to play with a bit of Water.

Rating: 82.5

Nose: 21 - Taste: 20.5  - Finish: 20.5 - Overall: 20.5

General Remarks: The Glenfarclas Distillery was founded in 1836 and has been in the hands of the Grant family for around 150 years now, a rare fact in the Whisky Industry. It is located in Ballindalloch (Banffshire). The 17 Years expression I'm tasting today is a limited edition, destined for North America, Japan and Travel Retail. It matured in a mix of Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry Casks and is naturally coloured. It's not cheap at around 100 US Dollars.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Conclusion: While this 17 years is not a bad Whisky I do wonder why it exists in the first place. Glenfarclas already has the 10, 12, 15, 21, 25, 30 and 40 years Core Range and a 17 years seems unnecessary. Its Aroma and Flavour Profile are similar to the 15 years but.............. it's roughly twice as expensive! And, coincidence or not, it is/was produced for cash rich markets like The USA, Canada, Japan and last, but certainly not least, Travel Retail. So if you would ask me if it would be a could idea to buy a restrained version of the 15 years at twice the price my answer would be..... eh.....NO! Despite, I have to admit, the nice presentation and packaging.

Jan van den Ende                                                            January 2014