I have to say I never picked up the news of this Glenfarclas 175th Anniversary Chairman’s Reserve. Of course we all know the regular Glenfarclas 175th Anniversary, but I didn’t know they made a second bottling.
It contains four sherry casks filled in the 1960’s and the combined age of the casks is exactly 175 years (of course). This means the ensemble is at least 42 years old. It comes in a case with a Glencairn glass and a jug.
Glenfarclas 175th Anniversary ‘Chairman’s Reserve’ (46%, OB 2011, 1296 btl.)
Nose: beautifully fragrant and very fruity. Redcurrant, raspberry, quince… Old rum. Chocolate coated raisins. Really juicy sherry. Mint and a little cellulose varnish.
Mouth: rich, heavily sherried and quite a lot drier now, almost savoury. Dark cocoa powder, hints of coffee. Lots of liquorice and spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, anise). Prunes in Armagnac. Toffee. Intense and classical, including some tannins.
Mouth: long, spiced, with burnt caramel, dark tea and tobacco leaves.
A lovely sherry nose and a body that’s starting to show its age and long oak influence. Given the price level, there may be better value Glenfarclas options, but the quality is certainly outstanding. A very nice collector’s item. Around € 500.
Score: 92/100