Glenfarclas 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

With the Edrington group having priced extra-aged Macallans well beyond the reach of the average wallet, (pay $4000+ for the 25YO) Sherry enthusiasts searching for that something special have few options left. Enter Glenfarclas: When you buy a bottle of this you support one of Scotland's only independent family-owned distilleries.

Quarter-century aged Scotch is not getting cheaper. Arran, Dalwhinnie, Glenfiddich, Highland Park, Old Pulteney, Laphroaig, Talisker, Caol Ila, Glenrothes and Glengoyne currently have an average retail price of close to $700. Add Macallan, Lagavulin, Springbank and Ardbeg to the mix and the average jumps up to around $1200! It's inevitable that the price for 25 year old single malt Scotch will settle somewhere between these two values. (Even Single Grains and Blends with similar age statements are becoming less and less accessible).

Tasting note: Bright gold with a pale straw hue. Some real class and depth to the nose which offers powerful aromas of prune, roasted nuts, honey and freshly polished floorboards. Smells expensive. Mouthfilling, and with an unexpected degree of 'tingle' for whisky of this age. Glorious at mid palate, serving up delicious honey and dried fruit flavours over rich, spicy, sugar-laced malt. Medium long with a delicate aftertaste of dried fruit and sweet leather. Aristocratic. Would make a perfect after dinner malt. Some tasters drew comparisons with Macallan 18. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... This flavorful single malt offers enticing caramel on nose and palate, enlivened with marmalade and spicy cinnamon. The finish is long and mouthwatering, warming all the way down, closing with salted caramel, dark chocolate and orange peel. 93 points - wineenthusiast.com

...Earthy notes of dried leaves, wet wool, and a hint of maltiness start things off on the nose, then citrus and red apple. The palate is sweet and balanced, offering warm apple tart, cinnamon, cooked blueberries, raisins, toffee, and Christmas cake, with a slight and appealing hint of soapiness. A lengthy finish brings chocolate cake, glazed orange, pfeffernusse cookies, and winter spice. A delicious holiday warmer. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: David Fleming 2021

"Shows some staggering age - seemingly way beyond the 25-year age statement." - Jim Murray.

Gold Medal - Distillers' Single Malts 21 years old and over - 2019 International Spirits Challenge

Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2009.