It’s not often that we try Glenfarclas Family Casks these days. They still appear regularly and I have the impression that Glenfarclas‘ dark sherry casks are gone in a minute, but I also see a lot of them gathering dust in shops. Also at the current prices people don’t share them often.
While the Family Cask range has never been a ‘let’s buy and pop it open’ series, I think it has now become one of these investor series, losing relevance to real whisky enthusiasts. A series that few people write or talk about any more.
Today we have a Family Cask 1973 in our glass, (sherry) butt R1 released in 2014.
Glenfarclas 41 yo 1973 ‘Family Casks’ (41,6%, OB 2014, plain butt #R1, 495 btl.)
Nose: pretty refined sherry with a nice acidity to it. Crystallized oranges, juicy yellow plums, quinces and hints of apple pastry. Hints of armagnac as well as dried flowers and light honey. Also whiffs of raspberries. There’s a hint of anise and clove in the background, with some tobacco leaves and moist wood.
Mouth: it takes this sourish profile further, with a hint of Cointreau and marmalade, sour cherries and other berries. Some resinous notes and very light camphor. Fresh mint and more aniseed. The light bitterness of roasted nuts. Walnut oil. Gets quite earthy over time, with some dried herbs.
Finish: good length, moving towards herbal tea and mint, with wood spice and a hint of cold espresso.
A really aromatic nose with a relatively delicate, sourish sherry influence. I like this kind of profile. It’s slightly thinner and woody on the palate, but still a great dram. Thanks for the opportunity, Dirk, much appreciated. In case you’re interested, you can still get this from The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt (with a heavy price tag).