Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

1979 Glenfarclas K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Pre-Arrival) ($279.99)
Glenfarclas is well-renowned for its heavily-sherried character, a mainstay of the Highland distilleries in its region. Located just down the way from Aberlour and other famous Speyside institutions, the dried raisins and fruit cake flavors of sweet sherry casks are ubiquitous in the region and in Glenfarclas whisky expressions. For that reason, the single cask of 1979 vintage malt we tasted from a fourth-fill sherry cask really caught us off guard. Because the barrel has already been used three times to mature other whiskies, the sherry residue left on the wood is quite faint, therefore having less of an impact on the eventual color and flavor of the spirit aging inside of it. After more than 30 years, the result is absolutely incredible and very unlike most other Glenfarclas whiskies (exactly why we wanted it!). Instead of rich sherry, the whisky opens with oily resinous notes, sweet barley, and supple texture that can only come from three decades of wooded slumber. The finish turns somewhat smoky, filling in the gaps with more oil and a wave of vanilla. The whisky is simply delicious, loaded with character, and unlike anything from Glenfarclas or any other distillery offering currently on the market. David and I are always on the lookout for the delicious oddball and we definitely found one deep in the plentiful warehouses of Glenfarclas. Easily one of the top five whiskies from our trip.

1970 Glenfarclas K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Pre-Arrival) ($579.99)
The next time we head over to Scotland for a business trip, we could easily spend the entire week at Glenfarclas.There are multiple warehouses with an endless amount of barrels, making our discovery of fantastic whisky almost the equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack. One of the oldest distillerlies in all of Scotland, Glenfarclas is perhaps the most legendary Highland producer. In 1865, the Grants purchased the company and since then has passed it down to successive generations. Today, George Grant still proudly runs the show, making Glenfarclas a true rarity: an independent, family-owned distillery that still maintains complete autonomy over its operations. There are no corporate obligations, which is why David and I were able to walk in, meet with George, and pick out any cask that we wanted from the storied, sherry-aged stocks. With so many mature expressions available, we knew we had to take advantage. The 1970 cask is over 40 years old, with a savory richness that oozes with fudge and coffee grounds. The sherry morphs into cakebread and rancio notes before going back in for more richness on the finish. The full proof really makes this whisky special, adding a punch that most older malts lack. It’s the entire package – rarity, depth, and a complexity only found in whiskies of this age. One of the best we’ve ever found and very limited. We wouldn’t bring in something this costly if we didn’t think it was worth it. AMAZING!

Longrow 18 year old, Campbeltown Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($199.99)

1993 Mortlach Cask Strength Gordon & Macphail 750ml – 6 available ($109.99)

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