Glenfarclas 12-Year
43% ABV - Highlands, Scotland
Nose: Plums, raisins, ripe pear, and grapes round out the dark fruit flavours. Light dry florals and spices – with some earthy tones.
Taste: Dark fruits and spices dominate the arrival, with florals, vanilla, and a lemon-lime citrus in the background.
Finish: Again, dark fruits and spices – nothing particularly selectable or specific, just mulled about – and some citrus with trace chocolate notes.
Full disclosure that I tasted this side-by-side The Macallan Edition No. 2, and I opted to taste this dram second in hopes of minimizing any bias I would put towards the “more expensive” bottle. (Yes, really I should have just done it blind!)
It had been a long time since pouring Glenfarclas 12-Year Old whether it be at home, or any tasting event, as I have much preferred the 15-Year Old bottling. On its own, this Glenfarclas can make a name for 100% ex-Oloroso matured whisky. But, I put it up against a behemoth and I didn’t expect the flavours to feel so “watered down” by comparison – which, actually, made for a dangerously drinkable dram.
Glenfarclas has a special place in my heart. It is an affordable brand, family-owned, multiple core releases with age statements, cask strength releases, has a fine repertoire of vintages (although unfortunately much more expensive), and plays very nicely with retailers looking to do single cask selection.
I think Glenfarclas 12-Year Old is a great whisky for your shelf, for sharing, or for gifting – it’s a great deal for anyone seeking ex-Sherry flavours and probably better value than The Macallan. (Another great idea for value would be Glengoyne – one label I still have to add to my personal collection!) Although, if you could only have one Glenfarclas on your shelf – and you should have at least one(!), I might try to persuade you to spend the extra coin for the 15-Year Old or 105 Cask Strength over this one.
Tasted 14 April 2019. (Posted 16 April 2019.)
