Glenfarclas 21 Year
43% ABV
$115-$140
Website
What the Distiller Says
100% Oloroso sherry cask maturation.
An incredibly rounded whisky that leaves you refreshed and contented. A whisky that always deserves a second glass.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Dark amber-gold.
Nose: Intense, full of aromas – sherried fruit, tropical fruit, nutmeg and almonds with slight citrus notes at the end.
Flavour: Full bodied rich and rounded, develops slowly into fruity and spicy flavours.
Finish: Long-lasting and smooth with a chocolate feel at the back of your throat.
What Gary Says
Nose: Thick and rich, sherried raisins, apricots, figs; a hint of barbecue sauce (vinegar, brown sugar) with a subtle nutty spice; notes of tobacco, leather and coffee cake
Palate: Rich sherry sweetness, cherries, peaches, toasted orange marmalade with walnuts; creamy mouthfeel to start but then sharpens with toffee and nutmeg.
Finish: Moderately long, sweet, drying with a smokey/nutty spice.
Comments: A delicious whisky by all accounts – and a flavor intensity I rarely experience with a 43% ABV dram. A fair amount of complexity, nicely balanced between sweet, spicy, and oaky elements, a creamy mouthfeel – until it isn’t. Thus far, this is my favorite offering from Glenfarclas (with the 15 yr being a close second). Not quite as sharp as some of the others, but enough of that unmistakenable Glenfarclas edge you don’t doubt its heritage. Even at 43%, it handles a little water nicely – with the fruit notes stepping up, but not losing the spiciness.
Rating: Stands Out/Must Try