Glenfarclas 40 Year

Nose: A big, old oloroso sherry note, nutty oak aromas and dark cocoa dominate the initial nose. Next, dark fruits (figs, dates, plums), raisins, pineapple chunks and oranges emerge, simmering in a broth of resinous honey, brown sugar and sweet malt extract spiced with ginger, cinnamon, cloves and buttery vanilla that comes in waves. A heavy, dusky floral note emerges later and there is a whiff of leathery smoke and black coffee on the dry glass. Palate: A wonderful arrival, creamy and soft to start with and highlighting sweet honey, sugars, mint and baking spices (allspice, caraway) with a touch of white pepper. Oak and dark chocolate appear quickly afterward along with figs and roasted nuts as the palate turns momentarily tannic and dry. However this is followed in turn by a wave of sweeter tones featuring citrus fruit, ginger, cherries, raspberries and a return of the oloroso sherry. The fruity tones are not like the heavy stewed fruits found in the palate of the 25 or 30 year old expressions, but a combination of dark dried and fresh fruits - like a platter of oranges, dark cherries and dried muscatel grapes. The texture is oily, but drying, with a rancio quality and a hint of walnut oil. Finish: Medium/long. Dark fruits and sherry fade to an aftertaste of sweet spicy ginger, white pepper, oaky tannins and espresso. A wonderful old malt that exemplifies the Glenfarclas profile, from its lustrous mahogany colour (unsullied by the taint of artificial colouring) to its lingering sweet/dry oaky finish. I chose this for my 500th review on Distiller as it is an iconic malt that I have never previously tasted, but which is available widely at a comparatively very reasonable price. The whisky was tasted as the finale of a flight of Glenfarclas expressions, comprising the 10, 12, 17, 25 and 40 year olds that I shared with two whisky mates who dropped over for an afternoon of cards and drams a few weekends ago. The only criticism we had of the 40, and we all felt this, was that the finish was a touch short. However this was only apparent as it was tasted following the 25 year old, which has remarkable length. In comparison to almost anything else the finish on this 40 year old would seem very good. All Glenfarclas whiskies require time in the glass before they reveal themselves fully but nowhere is this more so than with this magisterial old malt. I poured the drams and left them to stand covered, and as this whisky was tasted at the end of the flight it had about an hour or more to compose itself. Even so, when its time came the whisky was still just barely beginning to open. The weather was cold and drizzling (it's winter here in Australia right now) so we nursed the glasses in our hands to gently warm then while we sat at the dining table, chatting about all things whisky and occasionally pausing to listen to the rain in companionable silence as we sniffed our drams. After about 20 minutes we noticed the spirit starting to reveal itself, and then spent another half hour dissecting and discussing the whisky's merits, and enjoying its warm glow. A stately, refined and dignified whisky that was a special delight to taste, the pleasure which it provided being eclipsed only by the comradeship of my good friends Warwick and Anthony (KT66 here on Distiller) in whose estimable company I was privileged to enjoy it. "Excellent" : 89/100 (4.75 stars)

The nose is soft, subtle yet mildly rich with creamy orchard fruits leading that are underscored by tangy red fruits and surprisingly soft oak for the 40 years in a cask with an ever so slight pipe tobacco smoke emerging over time that all works effortlessly together with low ethanol. The palate is a medium mouthfeel starting with creamy tropical fruits before a mild peppery spice that slowly fades to espresso and dark chocolate covered figs before mildly sour yet sweet fruits of lychee, balsamic strawberries and pears that transitions to light pipe tobacco smoke and dusty leather bound books with low ethanol burn. The finish is medium length starting with a mix of creamy tropical fruits and mildly sour red berries before mild baking spices, sweet pipe tobacco and polished antique furniture. Glenfarclas 40 year is a beautifully composed old single malt that has aged gracefully over the years polishing the flavors into a symphony of creamy citrus, light chocolate, red berries, mild spices and old oak that was incredibly well managed as those casks could have easily overpowered the other flavors like an over steeped black tea. Side by side with the Glenfarclas 25 year, the 40 year has more finesse and grace whereas the 25 has a slightly higher astringency but they aren’t all that far away from each other. At an asking price of over $1k, it’s an expensive bottle likely meant for celebrating the 40 year age milestone or to experience a 40 year old single malt. Thankfully @ShatteredArm was extremely generous to share a sample for me to explore and highly enjoy.

This review is actually of the Glenfarclas 40 Warehouse Edition which is bottled at 43% Nose - Raisins, prunes, candied oranges, vanilla custard, candied fresh strawberries, white chocolate Taste - Raisins, prunes, cherries, caramelized oranges, hint of black tea, toasted coconut, light milk chocolate Finish - Caramelized orange custard, strawberries, milk chocolate, light orange pith bitter, grape skin tannic Score - 94/100 Final Thoughts - So this is a well balanced fruity dessert in a glass. This is just well aged sherried Scotch. Extremely fragrant nose that you can smell from across the room and the same hits your palate. Loads of raisins/prunes with this orange custard vibe and this bitterness that I now feel is more of a dark chocolate or espresso bite than orange pith or grape skin tannins. This is very nicely balanced and punches way above its proof. This feels like it'd be best enjoyed on a summer's night next to a lake or a campfire or while relaxing in a comfy chair during the winter. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - If it wasn't so expensive yes NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

Glenfarclas 40 year old at 43%ABV. I found it amusing to say $900 is cheap for a bottle of 40 year old single malt scotch considering that 900 bucks ain’t pocket change but you rarely see a 40 year old scotch at this price either. So how much of a bargain is this? Let’s find out. Nose: fragrant but light, dry fruits such as sultanas and raisins, light grassy and surprisingly creamy. The sherry influence is subdued and harmonious after 4 decades in the cask, Not too oaky at all considering the age. Palate: light honey suckle, dried wood spice up front. Dark chocolate, nutmeg, and nuts, then slowly faded with traces of oak bitterness. Finish: long, warm and dry, lingering oak and rich chocolate. This is simply superb and one of the very best I’ve ever had, period. It is stunningly balanced and yet complex with Glenfarclas’ signature mellow, well aged and classic old spirit quality. For the money, this is a no brainer. The big conglomerate would charge you an arm or leg for it but because Glenfarclas is a family own small business, it’s only 900 bucks. If you ever come by this bottle at a decent price, don’t hesitate! It’s that good!

Picked this up to celebrate my 40th birthday, and finally cracked it open. Didn't know what to expect as I hadn't had a single malt anywhere near this old. In the nose, there are aromas of honey, black tea, and some baked fruits like apple or pear. The palate starts off on the sweet side, with a medium body and the sherry cask evident. Milk chocolate, a bit of custard, and a little nutmeg. Reminds me of mousse. Long finish with some bitter wood notes coming into the picture. This was a nice treat, and there are some flavors in there that I haven't found in younger whiskeys, but I wouldn't say it's necessarily more enjoyable than something in the 20s.

Brilliant showcase of old school Sherry. Nose: Rum Raisins, Figs, Cherries, Dates, Caramel, Toffee, Honey, Red Apples, Milk Chocolate, Licorice, Honey, Strawberries, Grapefruits, Mangoes, Almond Cookies, Peaches, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oranges, Lavender, Bananas, Creme Brûlée, Cookie Dough Palate: Rum Raisins, Coffee, Toffee, Blood Oranges, Milk Chocolate, Hazlenuts, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Grapefruits, Honey, Cashews, Almonds, Baking Spices, Cloves, Licorice Finish: Toffee, Raisins, Oranges, Pepper, Walnuts, Nutmeg, Red Apples, Cinnamon, Dates, Figs, Raspberries, Plums