Description

Glenfarclas Aged 12 Years Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml          ABV: 43%          Age: 12 Years Old         Country: Scotland

Nestled in the heart of Speyside, Scotland, in the picturesque valley of the River Spey, at the foot of Ben Rinnes. The name “Glenfarclas” translates from Gaelic as “valley of the green grass”. Glenfarclas has a unique and proud history, being one of the few distilleries in Scotland that has remained independent and family-owned since 1865. It was initially founded in 1836 by Robert Hay, but was acquired by John Grant in 1865, and has been continuously owned and operated by his descendants, the Grant family, through six generations. This long-standing family tradition is a cornerstone of their brand identity, often summarised by their slogan, “The Spirit of Independence.” Glenfarclas is deeply committed to traditional whisky-making methods, which contribute to its distinctive full-bodied, sherry-influenced character. Unusually, all six of Glenfarclas’s stills (three wash, three spirit) are direct-fired by gas burners (they famously experimented with steam heating but reverted). This direct heat is believed to create a richer, slightly caramelised, and more robust new-make spirit that stands up exceptionally well to sherry maturation. Their stills are also among the largest in Speyside. Glenfarclas is almost exclusively dedicated to Oloroso sherry cask maturation. They maintain strong relationships with coopers in Jerez, Spain, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality sherry wood. They utilise a mix of first-fill and refill sherry casks, believing that the variety allows for a balance of influence.

The Glenfarclas 12 Year Old is a classic Speyside single malt, often celebrated for being a great entry point into sherried whiskies without being an overwhelming “sherry bomb.” It’s a key part of the distillery’s core range, which is known for its consistency and quality. Every drop in the bottle has been matured for a minimum of 12 years. Glenfarclas is renowned for its dedication to sherry cask maturation. The 12 Year Old is primarily matured in a combination of first-fill and refill Oloroso sherry casks made from European oak. The use of refill casks allows the distillery’s spirit character to shine through, rather than being completely dominated by the wood. Bottled at 43% alc/vol and Lightly filtered and bottled at natural colour, without added caramel E150a, which is a hallmark of Glenfarclas. It has received numerous accolades over the years, including “Best Sherried Whisky” in the Single Malt World Cup (2006) and gold medals at various festivals.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Light and inviting with a clear presence of sherry. Expect notes of supple, soft sherry, Manuka honey, and ripe orchard fruits like oranges and apples. Hints of rich oak, a delicate maltiness, and sometimes a whisper of smoke or pine resin can also be found. Gentle and well balanced.

Palate: Medium-bodied and smooth, with a lovely malty character. Flavours include notes of date and walnut cake, more Oloroso sherry, and a warming fruitiness with hints of banana, peach, and red apple. A touch of toffee apple and a subtle earthiness can also be present. It’s not overly sweet, showcasing a good balance.

Finish: Spicy and reasonably long, with lingering notes of allspice, cinnamon, and cloves. Orange zest and the warmth of sherry to round out the experience, ending with a satisfying dryness.

This whisky is a fantastic representation of Glenfarclas’s house style, offering approachable sherry notes integrated with the distillery’s robust malt character.