Review by: Whiskery Turnip
Distillery: Glenfarclas.
Bottler: Distillery.
Region: Scotland/Speyside Single Malt.
ABV: 60%.
Age: 8 Years.
Cask type: Oak.
Nose: Rich baking spices and dried fruits with accents of waxed leather, new rubber rain boots, and leather polish. Concentrated dried date and figgy sugars with wispy smoke and struck match heads. A touch savory at times with balsamic glaze, toasted herbs, and pipe tobacco.
Palate: Medium-bodied and rich, vibrant and spirited with a peppery prickle throughout, dried dates and figs with herbal tobacco, waxed leather, and wood polish; more licorice, nutmeg, and espresso toward the end; water brought out cocoa, lacquered wood, and old wooden tobacco pipe.
Finish: Medium-length with sweet dried fruits and peppery spice.
Mental Image: Leather Shoes and Cigars.
Conclusion: It was impossible not to compare this with the other 1960s Glenfarclas I reviewed. I poured them separately, on different occasions at first, but put them head to head for a final showdown as I wrapped up these notes. While they had much in common, this 8 Year felt simpler and less refined. Bottled at a slightly higher proof, the spirit stood out more, lending a peppery prickle to the nose and palate. The whisky was not without depth, especially some leathery-rubbery funk on the nose. Yet, the palate was more in line with a reasonably straightforward sherry bomb— albeit well-structured and above-average.
Overall, this was good and fun, even if it felt less distinctive than the other. I can understand why these 1960s or 70s Glenfarclas are a revelatory experience for some whisky drinkers.
Final Score: 80.
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 