Glenfarclas 18 Years Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenfarclas Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Known for maturation in Oloroso Sherry casks, suggesting a significant sherry influence. The whisky also includes some refill sherry casks, allowing the distillery character to shine through.
Age Statement: 18 years.
ABV: 43%.
Color & Clarity: Uncolored, showcasing its natural hue. The reviewer appreciates the colorless bottle for revealing the whisky's true color.
Bottle Design: Full liter, colorless bottle, described as bold, heavy, strong, and appealing.

Overall Character: Dominated by extreme sherry notes, with a balance between distillery character and sherry cask influence.
Initial Taste: Oily and smooth with an edge, transitioning to a light sweetness reminiscent of sugar cubes.
Complexity: Offers a complex old sherry oakiness, with a slight dryness towards the end.
Specific Flavors: Features apples, nuts, almonds, caramel, vanilla, honey, and a citrus note on top.
Aftertaste: Long and rewarding, with the sweetness and citrus notes lingering.

Unique Offering: The 18-year-old variant is a travel retail exclusive, not typically found in Glenfarclas's standard portfolio.
Historical Context: First appeared around 2010-2012, making it a relatively recent addition to the Glenfarclas range.
Personal Connection: The reviewer expresses a strong personal preference for this bottle, ranking it highly within the Glenfarclas range.

Glenfarclas is renowned for its use of Oloroso Sherry casks, a tradition that contributes significantly to the whisky's flavor profile and identity. This practice ties the whisky to the broader history and culture of sherry cask maturation in Scotch whisky production.

Glenfarclas 18 Years is a sherry-dominated single malt Scotch whisky, aged for 18 years and presented in a full liter, colorless bottle.
It features a complex flavor profile with a balance of sweetness, oakiness, and a variety of specific notes including nuts, almonds, caramel, vanilla, honey, and citrus.
The whisky is a travel retail exclusive, offering a unique position within the Glenfarclas portfolio.
It is highly regarded by the reviewer, who praises its flavor profile and considers it potentially addictive.

Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate the rich, complex flavors derived from sherry cask maturation.
Collectors and Travel Retail Shoppers: Given its exclusivity to travel retail, it's a must-have for collectors or those looking to purchase unique bottles during their travels.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: The complexity and depth of flavors make it suitable for seasoned whisky enthusiasts seeking something special.
Fans of Glenfarclas: Loyalists of the distillery who wish to explore the full range, including this relatively rare expression.