Glenfarclas 41yo 1966/2008 (48.1%, SMWS, 1.141, 157 Bts.)

Another excellent opportunity to sample a bottling from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and an elder Glenfarclas too. Once again a Society bottle indicates ‘Cask- Refill Hogshead – ex Bourbon’ so if you have any questions about this combination of casks, address them to the Society.  The undiluted nose is sensational. One is tempted to go no further and nose this for a period however discipline must be maintained. There is both fruit and dusty malt intermingled with ‘old’; wooden musical instruments, hints of clove and quite a bit of vibrancy. Rich cake laced with lots and lots of booze. There are also some hints of cocoa with hints of red chilies (spicy).  With water it holds together nicely however it is better at cask strength. The taste is citrusy with sweetness, the afore mentioned booze soaked cake, some hints of leather and cedar, a little bees wax and a syrupy mouth feel after a moment of two. The taste continues to evolve and it’s very rich and very good. Late arrival of orange and tinned fruit.  Sensational. With water it sweetens considerably and while still very good it is not the vibrant dram as when sampled without water. However it’s still very good. The finish is slightly muted at first but them the cocoa, chilies and orange comes racing back followed by some dryness (but not too much). Again the finish is pleasing, not overly bitter or overly sweet but just right. Some later arrival of oak notes. The finish is very long and after some time there are hints of malt and more of the oak notes.

Sincere thanks to Jane and Tony for this excellent example of Glenfarclas. What a treat.

$ unknown

Score 90 points

New Bottle Style

The third in series of Scotch whisky reviews this week that feature samples from 24 years of age to 41 years of age.