Glenfarclas 25 Years Review

“Woody Woodpecker”

Country: Scotland 

Region: Highland/Speyside

Brand: Glenfarclas

Type: Single Malt Whisky

Age: 25 Years

ABV:  43 %

Sample Provided by Derek from the USA. Many Thanks!

Colour: Amber

Nose: Quite restrained actually for a 25 Year old Single Malt. Nice combination of Fruit, Sherry and Oak. I find Tangerine, Apricot, Apple and a very distinct note of English Marmalade. I also get some Flowers/Heather/Herbs, Honey, Hazelnut Paste (Nutella), Pears in Heavy Syrup, Cocoa, light Vanilla, Lemon Zest, Dark Chocolate, Malt and a little Cinnamon. The Alcohol is there but it's sufficiently integrated. It's not a truly spectacular Nose but it is very pleasant and invites you to take a sip.

Palate: Much more Oak than I would have expected after Nosing. A bit too much if you ask me! It's almost like a Cognac. I also find Cocoa Powder, Dried Fruits and Hazelnuts, light Sherry, Buttered Toast, Orange Marmalade, Toffee, Citrus, light Pepper, Nutmeg and Cloves.  

Finish: Quite Long, Oaky and lightly Bitter-Sweet with Dark Chocolate, Toffee, Honey, Malt, Sugared Almonds, Buttered Toast, Orange Marmalade and light Spices (Nutmeg and Cloves).

I added some Water and I find some nice extra Dark Chocolate tones on the Nose. But Palate and Finish do not benefit from the added Water.

Rating: 86

Nose: 22.5 - Taste: 21 - Finish: 21- Overall: 21.5

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 25 Years is part of the Core Range of this Distillery together with the 10, 12, 15, 21, 30 and 40 Years. It sells at around 180 US Dollars.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Conclusion: The 25 Years is a nice Single Malt, especially on the Nose. But it's also quite expensive given the fact that it's not that different from the 15 and 17 years except that you get a lot more Oak. And I'm not sure that's a good thing. If you like Sherry & Wood or Cognac, this might just be the Single Malt you like. I liked the tasting experience but I would not spend 180 US Dollars on a full bottle.

Jan van den Ende                                                                 March 13, 2014