Review by: Raygun

There’s a series of these vintage releases, not single casks but from a single warehouse. This one is 14-15 years old from warehouse no. 12. Probably three or four casks. In addition to this, I know of 2005, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 vintages, all Taiwan exclusives. As far as I know, all from different warehouses. Interesting idea, though I imagine the differences are subtle. Notes compiled over several weeks of tasting. Rested about 15 minutes on average.

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Distillery: Glenfarclas  

Bottler: Glenfarclas

Region/style: Speyside single malt Scotch 

ABV: 58.8%.  

Age: 14-15 years. Bottled on February 8, 2022.  

Cask type: Unstated, but definitely sherry casks. 1688 bottles. Might be three butts. 

Color:  1.5 auburn. Natural color and non-chill-filtered.

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Nose: Lots of dried fruit: cranberries, dates, cherries. And dried tangerine peel. Some gingerbread. Has an herbal quality, too, and a little cough syrup. Little bit of sulfur, but it’s not too prominent.        

Palate: Plenty of sherry, but I don’t think it’s all first fill. Quite a bit of spice to it along with dried fruit. Ginger in particular, in the form of gingerbread. Some chocolate comes out, and some chili spice. Grape jam mixed with orange marmalade. Tastes sweeter than I’d expect from all Oloroso. Less cough syrup, but still some herbal medicine. 

Finish: Some heat, but not as much as one would think. More chocolate and chili, and there’s the ginger bite. Sweet and spice are well balanced. Similar dried fruits as the nose and palate. A bit more citrus and some raspberry syrup. Very drying. Earl Grey tea. Don’t notice any sulfur here. 

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Conclusion: Cask strength Glenfarclas is a pretty good bet. Fortunately not very sulfured. That can be a concern with Glenfarclas, but not an issue here. When Glenfarclas is on its game, it’s some of the best sherried whisky out there in my opinion. The core range unfortunately doesn’t show it to best effect. The single casks and small batches like this are considerably better in my experience. Unfortunately not so available. Asia seems to get a lot for whatever reason. I’m sure the 30+ Family Casks are a different level, but not in my price range. For around $100, this is a great value.  

Score: 83

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)