Say Glenfarclas 1968 and you think Luc Timmermans. Most of the information about his latest cask #5241 is in my earlier post about the wonderful presentation dinner.
In fact there are several dinners around the world, check out Glenfarclas.be for practical details if you’re interested in attending the Paris, Singapore or Taipei dinners later this year.
I hadn’t posted my notes so far, but this verticale seems like a perfect occasion:
Glenfarclas 44 yo 1968 ‘My Tribute’
(54,4%, OB Family Cask for Luc Timmermans, cask #5241, 175 btl.)
Nose: this cask is stunningly fragrant and fresh for such an oldie, with a most elegant sherry influence. I’m guessing the relatively high alcohol volume is an advantage here and helps to bring out the flavours. There’s thick apricot and raspberry jam, ripe figs, cherry pie and raisins. Hints of Havana tobacco leaves, chamomile tea and vanilla fudge. The varnished, slightly bourbonny oak comes forward but not without its balancing honeycomb sweetness and scented waxiness. Teasing spices too, like cinnamon and nutmeg. All this interwoven with a soft veil of smoke and eucalyptus. Wonderfully vibrant.
Mouth: it develops the mint and eucalyptus theme a little further. It shows mirabelles and plums, crystalized oranges and dried figs. Some chocolaty notes as well as soft resin. Impressive how there’s no obvious dryness from the oak, just spices like anise and cloves, and hints of cough sweets. Goes on with leather, cocoa and orange liqueur. Fades out slowly and elegantly, on Seville oranges, dried fruits, mint and hints of herbal tea.
This is the perfect tribute to 175 years of classic Glenfarclas craftsmanship, with a hell of a lot of boxes ticked. It’s accessible yet complex, predictable yet surprising. An example of how a sherried Glenfarclas should be. Available at one of the dinners.
Score: 93/100