Glenfarclas 40

Glenfarclas 40 is one of the higher age statement bottlings from Glenfarclas. Glenfarclas, meaning valley of the green gras, has been cranking out predominantly sherry cask matured whisky since 1844, when Robert Hay bought a license to create Glenfarclas Distillery on his farm. He popped his clogs in 1865 and the farm (with the distillery) was sold to a neighbour, John Grant. 6 generations later, George Grant runs the show and in many ways, retains a lot of the old style and character as the whisky was made there since the very start.

You can read more about Glenfarclas HERE.

On the nose:

The nose opens with soft sherry aromas, lots of spicy oak, dried fruits, raisins and plums, delicate wood notes and furniture polish. When warmed, the whisky is very aromatic. When the glass wall is moistened with the whisky, it becomes a bit sharp and tart following with slightly citrus fruits and herbs. There is honey that eventually becomes fruity.

96 out 100

On the palate:

A huge amount of oak, swiftly followed by sherry and an abundance of sweetness. Fruit with honey, herbs, a little mint on the sides of the tongue and refreshingly spicy. Later on it becomes creamy with caramel and very light chocolate. Fig notes come at the end as well as raisins. Very round and balanced.

95 out of 100

On the finish:

Caramel, sweet dried fruits that include plums, raisins, light sherry and light oak notes. A long finish, at the end a little bit tart transitioning to light chocolate notes.

93 out of 100

Glenfarclas 40 in Summary

It’s soft, gentle, well rounded with superbly balanced flavours. Very tasty. An excellent malt. Wonderfully complex. I absolutely loved it. I don’t remember the cost of the bottle (it was part of a bottle share with a group of friends) but I remember it being ridiculously cheaper than even 25 year old malts from other distilleries. Amazing value.

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