Glenfarclas 30 Years | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenfarclas Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: The whisky is matured in sherry casks, with a combination of first-fill and refill casks used. This contributes to its complex flavor profile.
Age Statement: 30 years.
Color & Clarity: The whisky is described as having a dark brown color, typical of long-aged sherry cask-matured whiskies.
Bottle Design: The packaging has evolved over time to become more elaborate. Initially, it was a simple tube, but now it features a large, shiny "30" on a card box, with imagery of the red warehouse doors of Glenfarclas. The bottle itself is described as "bulgy" and dark brown, presented in a special box with a miniature for display purposes.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky offers a complex balance of fresh and dried fruitiness, maltiness, sherry character, oakiness, and subtle sweetness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its sherry influence, the whisky presents a spectrum of fruitiness, from fresh to dried and candied fruits, alongside marzipan, roasted almonds, and a hint of dark chocolate with a cocoa content of around 55-58%.
Comparison: While unique in its own right, the Glenfarclas 30 years shares the rich, sherry-matured character common to the distillery's range but stands out for its depth and complexity due to its age.

Anecdotes: The hosts share personal experiences with the whisky, noting its increasing price over the years and the evolution of its packaging. They also mention the distinctive red warehouse doors of Glenfarclas, a traditional feature that the distillery has maintained despite regulatory changes.

Historical Context: Glenfarclas is known for its commitment to tradition, as evidenced by the retention of the red warehouse doors. This detail, along with the distillery's reputation for producing high-quality, sherry-matured whiskies, contributes to the whisky's identity and appeal.

"It's old and mature... if you want to give yourself a big favor, this is one you should go for."
"Astonishingly strong for a 43 percenter."
"It's a nice, well matured, sherry whisky."

Glenfarclas 30 years is a single malt Scotch whisky, aged for 30 years in a mix of first-fill and refill sherry casks.
It features a complex flavor profile with a balance of fresh and dried fruits, maltiness, sherry character, oakiness, and subtle sweetness.
The whisky is presented in elaborate packaging, reflecting its premium status and the distillery's heritage.
The hosts recommend tasting the whisky rather than keeping it unopened, highlighting its value as a drink to be enjoyed rather than merely collected.

For the Connoisseur: Given its complexity, age, and the nuanced balance of flavors, this whisky is highly recommended for experienced whisky enthusiasts who appreciate the depth that long maturation imparts.
For the Collector: The evolving packaging and the inclusion of a miniature make it an attractive addition to a collection, especially for those who value presentation and rarity.
For the Sherry Cask Aficionado: Lovers of sherry cask-matured whiskies will find the Glenfarclas 30 years to be a quintessential example of this style, offering a rich tapestry of flavors influenced by the sherry wood.