Burns Night Tasting & Dinner £35 per ticket

Tuesday January 22nd 2013, 7.00pm

The Cross Keys, Water Lane, Leeds

These dinner events are perfectly formed for our esteemed regular customers, but also their partners/wives/husbands who may not be quite so familiar or partial to the Uisgea Beatha. Whilst there is obviously a heavy bias towards whisky at any of our events, this one is designed to involve anybody who enjoys good food and drink in general.   This one is a real Burns’ dinner and is all singing and all dancing. With a traditional three-course dinner, a Scottish poet to deliver some of the bard’s most famous work plus a six dram whisky tasting to boot!   Your £35 pays for the meal itself, a dram with each course plus a shortened whisky tasting at the end of the night.   Whisky will be served with each course although wine and ales will be available at extra cost.   The Cross Keys, built in 1802, was a watering hole for local foundry workers and houses a colourful history. Their kitchen team serve a medley of superb traditional British food made from locally sourced, ethically produced, seasonal ingredients. Each course will be good and hearty and eminently appropriate for the accompanying whiskies.   If you would like to order tickets for this tasting as a gift, we can email you a PDF with ticket/s for you to print and pop in a card. Just email us at info@thewhiskylounge.com after placing your order. http://www.thewhiskylounge.com/book-now/burns-night-tasting-dinner-2/

Please find below the Whisky Intelligence Tasting Notes/Whisky Reviews Scores for 2012. This compilation is not in any regard an ‘Awards’ but merely a record from top to bottom of the whiskies reviewed in 2012. The vast majority have been purchased with private funds; a very few have been provided by agents or suppliers and are thus noted in the individual review. If you are curious to see which are the later, you may search through the Tasting Notes/Whisky Reviews archive and find them for yourself.

There is a distinct lack of neither rhyme nor reason in the compilation; they have merely been reviewed as they have come available. Some were new releases, some blends and some no longer available.

Additionally whiskies that have achieved an equal score (for example 88 points) have not been listed alphabetically merely to further demonstrate the lack of neither rhyme nor reason.

94 Port Ellen 11yo 1983/1994 (59.4%, SMWS, 43.8)
92 Glen Grant 60yo 1952/2012 (42.3%, G&M C#465, 85 Decanters)
92 Glenglassaugh Managers Legacy 1967/2010 (40.4%, OB, Walter Grant”, Refill HHD, 200 Bts)
91 Laphroaig 20yo 1990 (58.2%, SMWS, 29.104, Refill sherry butt, USA 120 Bts., +/-2012
91 Lochside 44yo 1967/2011 (41.5%, Coopers Choice, Butt, C#807, 354 Bts.,)
91 Isle of Arran 14yo 1996/2011 (56%, OB, Premium Single Cask, Sherry, C#1785, 165 Bts., D. 06/11/96, B. 31/03/11)
91 Port Ellen 31yo 1979/2011 (52.1%, Douglas Laing Old & Rare, Refill Hogshead, 253 Bts)
90 Ben Nevis 15yo 1996/2011 (55.4%, C of Q, C#911, 231 Bts., HHD)
90 Big Peat Santa NAS Batch #22 (57.8%, DL & Co, 2011)
90 Bowmore 14yo (54.8%, A. D. Rattray for BevMo!, Bourbon, C#2873, 239 Bts., D’ 27/03/96 B’ 04/08/2010)
90 Caol Ila 10yo 2000 (58%, SMWS, Refill Hogshead, 53.157, +/-2012)
90 Clynelish 21yo 1990 (49.1%, SMWS, 26.84, Refill barrel, +/-2012)
90 Elijah Craig 18yo Single Barrel (45%, OB, C#3961, +/-2010)
90 Isle of Arran 1999 NAS Golden Eagle (46%, OB, 6,000 Bts., 2012)
90 Isle of Arran 1996/2012 (51.1%, OB, Premium Cask Selection, Sherry, C#1979, 219 Bts., D’11/12/96, B’25/04/12)
90 Isle of Arran 1996/2012 (52%, OB, Premium Cask Selection, Bourbon, C# 2086, 186 Bts)
90 Invergordon 18yo (65.6%, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, G5.4, 247 bts., +/-2011)
90 Longmorn 19yo (51.1%, SMWS of Canada, 7.70, refill hogshead, 161 Bts., +/-2011)
90 Mortlach 21yo 1989 (57.8%, SMWS, First–fill Sherry Butt, 76.84, +/-2012)
90 Willie Napier Pure Pot Still 44yo (40%, Tullamore, B’ 1989)
89 Ardbeg 8yo 2003 (60.4%. SMWS, 33.113, First fill barrel, +/-2012)
89 Booker’s 7yo Small Batch (63.7%, OB, Batch#C03-1-16, +/-2011)
89 Bowmore 21yo 1990 (46.4, SMWS, Refill Hogshead, 3.182)
89 Glenfarclas NAS 175 (43%, OB, 2011)
89 Glen Scotia 11yo (59.1%, SMWS of Canada, 93.42, Refill Butt, 735 Bts., +/-2011)
89 Hazelburn 8yo (55.9%, OB, Sauternes Wood, 9180 bts, D’ 06/08 B’ 02/11)
89 Isle of Arran 9yo (61.3%, SMWS, 121.51, 642 Bts., Sherry, Refill Butt, 2002/2011
89 Kilchoman 5yo 2006 (60.2%, SMWS, 129.1, first fill barrel, USA 114 bottles, +/- 2012)
89 Linkwood 28yo 1982 (53.9%, SMWS, Refill Hogs Head 39.83, +/-2012)
89 Longmorn 14yo 1996/2011 (46%, A.D. Rattray, Bourbon, C#97630, 304 Bts)
89 Old Pulteney 21yo (46%, OB, -/-2011)
89 Knob Creek 9yo ‘Small batch” (50%, OB, +/-2011)
89 Macallan 20yo (55.4%, SMWS of Canada, 24.117, 2nd Fill PX Sherry hogs Head, 196 Bts.)
88 Auchentoshan 12yo 1999 (54.7%, SMWS, 5.35, Second Fill hogshead, +/-2012)
88 Adelphi’s 18yo Liddesdale Islay (46%, Batch release No.1, 2962 Bts., +/-2012)
88 Balvenie 17yo Peated Cask (43%, OB, 2011)
88 Bunnahabhain 4yo 2005/2009 (57.7%, Creative Whisky Co., C#28, 257 Bts.,)
88 Caperdonich 17yo (58%, SMWS of Canada, 38.21, 2nd fill hogshead, 234 Bts., +/-2011)
88 Edradour 10yo (46%, Signatory UCF Collection, C#157, 634 Bts., D’17/04/1996 B’16th/02/2007)
88 Forty Creek (45%, OB, ‘Port Wood Reserve’, Lot 060, 2010)
88 GlenDronach 39yo 1972/2011 (49.8%, OB for KWM, Oloroso Sherry Butt, C#711, 300 Bts.)
88 Glenmorangie Artein 15yo (46%, OB, 2011)
88 Great King Street “Artist Blend’ NAS (43%, Compass Box, 2011)
88 Isle of Arran NAS The Devil’s Punch Bowl (52.3%, OB, Sherry & Bourbon, 6660 Bts., 2012)
88 Isle of Arran 2000/2011 The Sleeping Warrior (54.9%, OB, 6000 Bts.,)
88 Kilchoman NAS Single Sherry Cask Release KWM (60%, OB, C#322, D’ 15/11/2006 B’13/09/2011)
88 Knob Creek 9yo “Single Barrel” (60%, OB, +/- 2011)
88 Nikka Tsuru 17yo (43%, OB, 2012)
88 Stronachie 18yo (46%, A.D. Rattray, Batch Number 18/10-01, 2010)
88 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Barrel Select (46.85%, OB, “DSP-KY-12+/-2011)
87 Glencadam 14yo (46%, OB, Oloroso Sherry cask Finish, 2012)
87 Glen Scotia 9yo 2002 (59.7%, SMWS, 93.47, Refill Barrel, +/-2012)
86 Bruichladdich Sherry Classic (46%, OB, 2010)
86 Forty Creek (40%, OB, ‘Confederation Oak Reserve’, Lot 1867, 2010)
86 Forty Creek (40%, OB, ‘Small Batch Reserve’, Lot 105, 2008)
86 Glenrothes 10yo 2001 (60.6%, SMWS Refill Gorda, 30.68)
86 Highland Park 11yo 1999 (58.6%, SMWS, First-fill barrel, 4.153, +/-2012)
86 Isle of Arran 2001/2012 (55.2%, OB for Kensington, Bourbon, C#808, 233 Bts., D’13/12/2001, B’12/09/2012)
86 Kavalan NAS ‘Solist’ (58.3%, OB, C#S060814018, 536 Bts., 08/10/2010)
86 Longmorn 8yo 2003 (61.6%, SMWS, 1st fill barrel, 7.69)
86 Scapa 16yo (40%, OB, 2010)
86 Speyburn 11yo 1995/2007 (59%, A. D. Rattray, Bourbon, C#422, 287 Bts.)
86 Springbank 13yo 1998 (57.6%, SMWS, 27.97, refill Gorda, USA 180 Bts., +/-2012)
86 Tomatin 12yo (43%, OB, +/-2011)
85 Bunnahabhain NAS ‘Toiteach’ (46%, OB, +/-2010?)
85 Carsebridge 35yo 1976 (53.6%, SMWS, G2.2, Refill barrel, USA 60 Bts., +/-2012)
85 Forty Creek (40%, OB, ‘Double Barrel Reserve’, Lot 240, 2010)
85 Glen Grant 8yo 2002 (62.1%, SMWS, 9.62 First fill barrel, 149 Bts., +/-2012)
85 Glenrothes NAS 1988/2011 (43%, OB, 2011)
85 Isle of Arran 12yo Cask Strength (54.1%, OB, 12,000 Bts., Number 1, 2011)
85 McDonald’s Traditional Ben Nevis NAS (46%, 2012)
85 The Naked Grouse NAS (40%, OB, Batch 1017822:05, +/- 2011)
84 Stronachie 12yo (43%, A.D. Rattray, Batch Number 02/11, 2011)
84 Tamdhu 10yo (40%, OB, +/-2011)
84 Octomore ‘Comus’ 5yo (61.%, OB, Edition 04.2, 18,000 Bts., 2011)
83 Glenturret 10yo 2001 (57.2%, SMWS, 16.32, refill port pipe, USA 120 Bts., +/-2012)
83 Penderyn 5yo 2006 (61.3%, SMWS, 128.3, First fill barrel, USA 78 bottles, +/-2012)
82 Tomatin 10yo ‘Single Malt Collection’ (40%, Trader Joe’s, +/-2010)
82 Tullibardine 1992/2011 (46%, OB, 1Er Cru Classé Bordeaux Finish)
81 Cardhu 27yo 1984 (52.6%, SMWS, 106.18, refill hogshead, USA 78 bottles, +/-2012)
81 Macallan 16yo 1995 (53%, SMWS, Refill Hogshead, 24.122)
80 Clynelish 15yo (59.9%, SMWS of Canada, 26.82, refill sherry butt, 571 Bts., +/-2011)
80 Glenrothes 42yo 1969/2012 (42.6%, Adelphi, Cask #2, 297 Bts.)
80 Kuchh Nai NAS (40%, OB, +/2011)
80 Lismore NAS ‘Speyside’ (50%, William Lundie & Co, +/-2011)
80 Rosebank 21yo 1990 (59.8%, SMWS, 25.63, refill hogshead, USA 108 bottles, +/-2012)
79 BenRiach NAS ‘Birnie Moss’ (48%, OB, 2011)
78 Ledaig 7yo 2005 (62.7%, SMWS, 42.10, refill barrel, USA 60 Bts., +/-2012)

MAHARAJA OF JODHPUR TOASTS DIAMOND JUBILEE YEAR AS THE 61^ST CAVALRY TEAM CLAIM VICTORY AT ROYAL SALUTE CUP 

The Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup came to an exciting close this New Year as the 61^st Cavalry team claimed victory after an exciting week of 10-goal polo. From 26 – 31 December, patrons and players alike enjoyed the annual tournament, raising a glass to commemorate His Highness Gajsingh II, The Maharaja of Jodhpur’s 60 year reign in the Blue City.

Festivities included the opulent Diamond Jubilee Ball at Umaid Bhawan Palace, where Royal Salute honoured the Maharaja’s celebratory year with a one-off Scotch whisky crafted especially by the Master Blender and presented in a personally engraved crystal decanter. One of the rarest and most bespoke blends ever created by Royal Salute, the expression includes whiskies taken from each decade of the Maharaja’s reign. This incredibly unique blend includes many whiskies from distilleries which are no longer in production – adding even further to its rarity. There is also a rich mix of top quality casks, butts, hogsheads and barrels.

His Highness, who was touched by the gesture, enjoys nothing more than sharing his passion and enthusiasm for the sport with the guests of Umaid Bhawan Palace who over the years have included, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Madonna and most recently Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Diana Ross for the 50th birthday of Russian billionaire Vladimir Doronin.

His Highness Gajsingh II, The Maharaja of Jodhpur commented: “I absolutely relish hosting the Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup and this year in particular, being a significant year for me and my family, the celebrations have been the perfect way to mark a momentous 60 years.”

Guests celebrated the close of the Royal Salute Cup with a spectacular procession led by the Maharaja, through the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, celebrating the New Year and concluding festivities.

Neil Macdonald, Global Brand Director for Royal Salute, commented: “We are delighted to again be sponsoring the Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup for a fourth consecutive time. Having celebrated a Diamond Jubilee earlier in the year, we are thrilled to be toasting the Diamond Jubilee year with His Highness Gajsingh II, The Maharaja of Jodhpur. We hope 2013 will be a prosperous year for all and really look forward to the next event.”

Royal Salute’s commitment to international polo is ever growing, with sponsorships of some of the world’s most prestigious polo events across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Royal Salute World Polo programme continues with the Royal Salute Nation’s Cup in Dubai on 23-26 January 2012.

Notes: 

Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Diamond Jubilee Blend – Tasting Notes

Rich, fruity with sweet flavours, including pear and peach aromas, coming through in abundance and with a gentle vanilla sweet oakiness complementing in the background. The finish is incredibly long and smooth.

Royal Salute is the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky, and begins where others end as only whiskies matured for at least 21 years are ever selected for Royal Salute blends. In 2012, Royal Salute became the first ever brand to be officially associated with the Royal Gun Salutes at the Tower of London, as part of a long term partnership with the independent charity Historic Royal Palaces. 

Royal Salute is a leading international supporter of polo, ‘the king of sports and the sport of kings’. Royal Salute World Polo is truly international with a presence in every major region globally:

• Argentina Campeonado Abierto de Polo, Palermo, Buenos Aires
• Australia Sydney Gold Cup, Sydney and Portsea Polo, Victoria
• Brazil Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, São Paulo and Copa Ouro São José Polo,  São Paulo
• China Royal Salute China Open, Beijing
• India Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup, Jodphur
• Italy Polo Gold Cup, Cortina d’ Ampezzo
• South Korea Royal Salute Polo Cup, Jeju
• Spain Snow Polo, Baqueira, Lérida and Sotogrande, Cádiz
• UAE Royal Salute Nations Cup, Dubai
• USA Foundation Polo Challenge, Santa Barbara and Royal Salute Jubilee Cup, Greenwich, New York
• UK The Sentebale Polo Cup, Coworth Park,  Kent & Curwen Polo Club, London
• UK Beaufort Polo Cup, Tetbury

Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information visit http://www.chivasbrothers.com/

photo by Robert Hall

First Friday Scotch Sipping at Six at 7,600 Feet in Wyoming’s Wind River Range.

Atlantic City, Wyo., – Miner’s Delight Inn Bed and Breakfast hosted its 54th consecutive Second Saturday Scotch Sipping at Six in December 2012. The Saturday tastings have become so popular with Wyoming and out-of-state residents that Barbara and Bob Townsend will add another monthly event beginning the First Friday of Feburary 2013. “Many folks have told us their schedules don’t allow them to attend our Saturday tastings so we’ll add the First Friday event in an attempt to meet folks’ desire to explore single malt Scotch whisky,” Bob said.

A Wyoming Liquor Division official confirmed in December 2012 that the Townsends’ Two-bit Cowboy Saloon offers the most extensive selection of single malt Scotch whisky in the state. Their current stock includes 85 single malts from more than 50 different Scottish distilleries. About 70 percent are limited edition whiskies, and 16 expressions come from single casks, where each individual cask only produced between 186 and 576 bottles of whisky for the world market, according to Townsend.

Single malt Scotch whisky is the product of one distillery in Scotland. By Scottish law the spirit must mature for three years in oak casks to be called Scotch Whisky. Scotland’s distilleries suggest Scotch should be shared among friends so grab your friends and plan to attend First Friday and Second Saturday single malt Scotch tastings at Miner’s Delight Inn Bed & Breakfast.

Whether you’re a single malt connoisseur or a novice, here’s the chance for your palate to explore the myriad flavors found in the vast array of malted Scotch whiskies: spices, floral notes, nuttiness, dark dried fruit, fresh orchard fruit, salty sea air, pungent peat smoke. “Some folks think all Scotch whisky reeks of smoke, but that’s not so,” Townsend said. “Many of our whiskies offer light, delicate, non-smoky flavors that surprise even well-initiated single malt drinkers.”

You will get five wee drams (one half ounce each) of single malt Scotch and light, palate-cleansing hors d’oeuvres at the tastings. Maps, books, pamphlets, and distillery information will be on hand. You’ll get a “tasting notes” card to record your impressions. Your hosts, both ab initio single malt Scotch connoisseurs, will lead you on epic trips to taste uisage beatha (OOSH-ki baah), Scots Gaelic for the “water of life.”

The Townsends will also schedule tastings for your private party, company event, or fund raiser. They will provide the service in the inn or at a Wyoming venue of your choice. To contact Barbara and Bob to plan your single malt Scotch tasting visit the inn’s Web site, http://www.minersdelightinn.com.

www.ralfy.com kicks off 2013 with Whisky Review 330 – GlenDronach 1993 19yo Single Cask

Sherry-moment warning malt-mates.

CHIVAS 18 LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE LIMITED EDITIONS WITH TOP DESIGNER PININFARINA 

Chivas 18, the world’s No. 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky, is highlighting its luxury credentials with the launch of Chivas 18 by Pininfarina, a series of exclusive limited editions created in collaboration with the prestigious Italian design company.

With a strong shared heritage in luxury and craftsmanship, Chivas 18 has collaborated with Pininfarina, for its ability to encapsulate the brand’s modern and luxurious character.

Each limited edition features a bottle of Chivas 18 and captures Pininfarina’s design cues on the metallised crest, while its logo is emblazoned on the capsule and neck wrap.

The first design is based on a streamlined drop, giving a sense of movement that is inherent to Pininfarina’s designs. The design has a rich blue, metallic finish outer case, reminiscent of the metal work for which the Italian company is best known and a wood veneer that represents the oak casks used in the ageing of Chivas 18. Units are expected to retail at £90*.

The second expression of the partnership features the same design cues of the first but taken to a further level by featuring a solid wood inlay and a more aerodynamic shape. It presents the limited edition bottle and includes two glasses which echo the drop design. Each unit created is individually numbered to highlight its exclusivity and will retail at £360*. 

Chivas 18 Mascherone by Pininfarina

Inspired by the Mascherone (the original wooden frame that was used to refine new automobile shapes) the Chivas 18 Mascherone by Pininfarina marks the pinnacle of the partnership. Hand assembled in Cambiano by Pininfarina, it features an oak internal structure, clad in aluminium. Mirroring the elegant precision of Pininfarina’s celebrated automotive innovations, only five of this collector’s piece will be on display globally and individual pieces will be made to order on request. A light, found at the base, brings this artistic piece to life. Price on application.

James Slack, Chivas Regal’s Brand Director, comments: “The Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Limited Editions are distinctive designs that will speak to our customers – modern gentlemen who seek style and substance in the brands they connect with. Pininfarina is an excellent fit with Chivas 18 and we are confident that these exclusive limited editions will continue our line of successes with previous Chivas 18 partnerships.”

Chivas 18 by Pininfarina will be available globally, including USA, UK, Russia, China and Travel Retail from January 2013. 

www.chivas.com

*Prices based on RRP on Global Duty Free or their equivalent in local currencies. 

Notes: 

Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky and a truly global. Chivas Regal is the flagship brand within brand owner Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio of Scotch whisky and is sold in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas.

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits.  Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

Pininfarina Extra: With a history dating back to 1930, Pininfarina is based on values of creativity, experience and innovation without forgetting tradition. It combines avant-garde style and technical solutions aimed at functionality.

If Pininfarina is known worldwide for car design, Pininfarina Extra (a Company specialized in product and interior design, architecture, nautics and aeronautics) expresses its design philosophy in all areas of life where beauty combines with elegance, essentiality and comfort. Founded in 1986 and led by Paolo Pininfarina, President and MD, Pininfarina Extra is located in Cambiano (Turin).

Its partners include leading Companies such as Acer, AleniaAeronautica, Coca-Cola, Jacuzzi, Juventus, Lavazza, Snaidero and Unilever. Its most recent projects include: the Keating Hotel by Pininfarina in San Diego, the interiors of the SukhoiSuperjet 100 (AleniaAeronautica), the Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks machine, the interiors of the Juventus Stadium, the Snaidero Ola 20 kitchen, the LED TV Acer AT58, and the Primatist B62’ yacht.

www.pininfarina.com

For further information visit http://www.chivasbrothers.com/

1979 Glenfarclas K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($299.99)
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.

Jim Boyce | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 31, 2012
Clean, pure, incredible. I believe every other adjective has been used to describe this bottle by my colleagues but it really is that delicious! Any scotch lover can appreciate this for the depth and complexity offered while not treading into the extremely sherried or peated side that can really turn a whiskey lover off!

Mike Barber | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 27, 2012
One of the best glenfarclas I have ever tasted- this is a fantastic bottle for any lover of real highland whiskey. There is a lot of oak on the nose and flavor (hey, it’s been in wood for 33 years), but I’m amazed at how much all the floral and fruit notes have held up and even developed in this very bright and delicious older single malt. Rich and malty with an incredibly long finish- this is beautiful whiskey.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 27, 2012
Tasting this whisky again brings me right back to the foot of Ben Rinnes, where we found this astounding cask among several of it’s siblings of the same vintage. Many of the other ’79s showed promise, as we were looking for something special the showcased the GlenFarclas spirit without the characteristic sherry character. This is truly one of the most elegant malts I’ve ever come across. After 32 years and at the surprisingly low 41.7%, this whisky has SO much life it’s incredible. It starts malty, with an ever so slight earthiness. It truly reminds me of standing in the gorgeous GlenFarclas warehouses where this spent the last 32 years. With a bit of air, GlenFarclas’ true character comes out. Typical of the famous distillery, herbs and mint, tons of fresh fruit. White peach skins, mango ripe and uncut, subtle tropical flavors that just make you want to guzzle this stuff. On the palate, you get cake frosting and more of that fruit. There is absolutely NO HEAT at all. The first sip finishes slowly, but lingers on the mid-palate, this malty fruitiness that you want to last forever. It obliges nicely. It’s not over the top whisky, it’s not in your face or 75% ABV. It is absolutely a pleasure to drink, potentially dangerously so. We may never see another quite like this one, so get on it!

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 26, 2012
Simply amazing whisky. This cask dipped down to 41% naturally and is now softer than silk. This is serious aged whisky that fulfills all your expectation for mellow and mature malt. $700 for Macallan 25? Or $300 for 32 year old, single barrel, natural cask strength Glenfarclas? Easy choice in my book. There’s no one who wouldn’t like this. Utterly drinkable and dangerously delicious. The most accessible whisky I’ve tasted all year.

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