Samaroli 1997 Glenfarclas 17 Years is part of a premium advent calendar from Secret Spirits (link below) who create advent calendars for Scotch and Rum. I’ve never bought one, but I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of the boozy advent calendar. It simultaneously helps you deal with the stress of the holidays while adding the to the fun and excitement by unlocking something new and interesting each day.
As a kid my parents bought one of the chocolate ones each year and all of my siblings and I took turns opening a day and eating chocolate and it was always fun; even kids need something to momentarily distract them from the insanity going on around them during the holidays. They didn’t send me a whole kit to review, damn, but they did send me this fun little Samaroli 1997 Glenfarclas 17 Years to review so let’s get into that right now.
Samaroli 1997 Glenfarclas 17 Years Info
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Distiller: Glenfarclas
Calendar: Secret Spirits
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Age: 17 Years
ABV: 45%
Price: NA – Part of an Advent Calendar
Samaroli 1997 Glenfarclas 17 Years Review
EYE
Honey
NOSE
Malt, vanilla, toffee, honey, pears, apples, tropical fruit and a bit of spice. Nice fruit and malt aroma.
PALATE
Malt, toffee, honey, tropical and orchard fruit, char, spice and some nuts with an underlying farmy essence.
FINISH
Long fade of malt, honey, fruit and char.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Good sense of balance, full body and an oily feel.
OVERALL
Soft, elegant and nuanced with a strong malty backbone that comes through a bit dark and farmy. Despite the lack of sherry, a note ubiquitous with Glenfarclas, this is not a soft and wimpy malt. It’s on the heavy side of malty and delivers a unique taste and aroma experience if you’re used to the sherry laden essence that typically accompanies the brand.
This particular mini of Samaroli 1997 Glenfarclas 17 Years is part of an advent calendar put out by the Secret Spirits company and that’s a heck of a day to open. I’d happily have it any day and makes me wonder what the other days would have in store!
SCORE: 87/100 (B+)
*Disclosure: This Samaroli 1997 Glenfarclas 17 Years was graciously sent to me by the Secret Spirits company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
