Glenfarclas 12 years is a simple straight forward representation of what Glenfarclas produces which is a dark single malt with a sherry influence. Over the years this dark, malty sherry flavor and aroma is what they’ve become famous for. It’s a rich warm Highland malt and is one the distilleries on my list to spend more time with this year.
Glenfarclas has been around since 1836 and are the proud owners of the largest stills in the Highland region. They have seen boom and bust times and even went by the name Glenlivet for a while, but throughout it all one thing remained consistent; their ability to put out good whisky. Which is why today they put out some incredibly tasty and sought after bottles in their Family Casks line. Sadly, this is not one one of those bottles, but it’s a good enough place to start.
Glenfarclas 12 years Review
Distiller: Glenfarclas
Age:12 years
ABV: 43%
Price: $50
EYE
Light caramel
NOSE
Light and smooth aromas of fruit, sherry and dark sweets like caramel and toffee intermingle with hints of vermouth and melon.
PALATE
Sherry and a complex fruit come through with notes of banana, peach, apricot and red apple. A bit of spice shows up and notes of honey, dark sweets and a mild earthiness join the party and add a nice bit of dimension to the flavor.
FINISH
A bit dry but fueled by fruit and sherry and peppered with spice and an ambiguous sweetness.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Everything’s in harmony and rides in on a medium body that has a smooth texture and minimal heat.
OVERALL
Sherry dipped fruit drizzled with dark sweets on the nose with a palate and finish to match, it’s a little basic, but well put together. I’m enjoying it quite a bit and I like the way the darker notes play off of the sweeter lighter fruit notes with the sherry weaving in-between everything. It’s a tasty, simple, sherried highland single malt that comes together nicely and I’m really glad I picked it up. A good straightforward daily drinker.
SCORE: 84/100
