Glenfarclas 1970 (SMWS 1.83)

In the distillery list of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, number 1 is Glenfarclas of course. A 1970 cask, just like most of the other 1.8x bottlings.

Glenfarclas 27 yo 1970 (56,8%, SMWS 1998, 1.83, 169 btl.)

Nose: fruity and elegant, with lots of orange peel and essential oils, yellow raisins and floral notes. Figs. Demerara sugar. Nutty aromas (almonds). Muscat wine. Honey and wax, hints of wood glue as well. In the background, there’s also a hint of garden herbs (dill, parsley) that reminded me of some very old rums (Long Pond 1941 anyone?). Very interesting.

Mouth: medium attack, doesn’t really feel like 57%. Slightly on the dry side, with a little sourness of oak and soft bitterness of orange peel. Some varnish. Almonds and berries. Surprisingly few distinct aromas, but it’s enjoyable nonetheless.

Finish: medium long, quite resinous. Hints of dark chocolate.

This Glenfarclas was nicknamed ‘dark fruit complex’ but I don’t really agree. It shows little of the usual Glenfarclas sherry. Very good but I wasn’t blown away. Very hard to find. Thanks CE.

Score: 89/100