1955 Glenfarclas 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

George S. Grant, Great, Great, Great Grandson of John Grant, reflects on the bicentenary and the birth of the Glenfarclas 1955 vintage malt... 'To celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of my Great, Great, Great Grandfather; John Grant; I have personally selected a cask of Glenfarclas 50 years old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky for this bottling. This whisky was distilled on 30th September 1955 and was bottled on 30th September 2005.  John Grant was born on the farm of Lynbeg in Speyside on the 16th May 1805. He spent most of his life on his Blairfindy farm, with his wife Barbara. He was a highly successful farmer, owning several farms in the area and breeding champion Aberdeen Angus cattle.  Glenfarclas means ‘valley of the green grassland’, so it was only natural for John Grant to be interested in the tenancy for the farm within which the distillery sits. John Grant decided to take on the tenancy for Rechlerich farm when it became available in 1865, and as part of the transaction he acquired the Glenfarclas Distillery for £511.19s. Thus my family’s long association with the Glenfarclas Distillery began. Over 200 years since the birth of John Grant, my family continue as custodians for the Glenfarclas Distillery. My Father John L.S. Grant, who joined the company in 1973, took over as Chairman from my Grandfather in 2002. As for myself, I have been with the company since 1998, and now represent Glenfarclas as Brand Ambassador. This whisky, which was distilled half a century ago, during my Grandfather’s time as Chairman, has a powerful sweet sherried aroma and a long caramel taste. I am sure my forefather John Grant would be proud, not only of this exceptional dram, but that the legacy he started continues.'  

Distilled on 30.9.1955  and bottled on 30.9.2005. Packaged in timber presentation box.

Tasting note: Nose: Thick, resinous and richly scented with a drift of smoke overlaid by a beautiful perfume. Water pulls out a silky soft note with grilled nut, fig jam and with time honey. Layered and complex. Palate: Sweet start. Light, tea-like tannins, hard toffee, chestnut, ginger spiciness. Silky feel. Finish: Embers, oak, Dundee cake. Very long. Becomes a little tight with time. Comment: A fantastic dram. Overlook this at your peril. 44.6% Alc./Vol. - tasting note sourced from David Broom, www.whiskymag.com

Other reviews…Nose: Very complex and nicely balanced, with notes of burnished leather, roasted nuts, fruit cake, toffee apples, sultana, damp peat, and sappy oak. Taste: A very soothing whisky, with the depth and maturity desired in a whisky 50 years old. Comments: The oldest whisky ever bottled by Glenfarclas. Fortunately, Glenfarclas’s spirit ages gracefully. *(a 60 year old has since been released) - tasting note sourced from John Hansell ~ Malt Advocate Magazine.