Whisky Review/Tasting: Glenfarclas Family Cask 1962

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenfarclas Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured in a 250-liter sherry cask, previously used for sherry maturation, which contributes to its flavor profile.
Age Statement: Bottled in December 2011, making it close to 50 years old.
Color and Clarity: Described as "heavily polished amber."
Bottle Design: Comes with a leaflet detailing the history of Glenfarclas, including family pictures and distillery images, emphasizing its heritage and family ownership.

Balance of Flavors: A complex balance between the sherry influence from the grapes and the wood influence from the European oak cask.
Unique Characteristics: Noted for its strong oakiness paired with heavy fruitiness, which is somewhat untypical for Glenfarclas where sherry usually dominates.
Comparison: This whisky stands out due to its age, making lighter aromas like vanilla disappear, leaving behind strong, intense, and mouth-filling flavors.

Anecdotes: Horst Luening, the master taster, shares his personal experience with this bottle, which has been in his bar since 2012.
Trivia: This bottle is one of 135, indicating a significant evaporation ("angel's share") from the original 250 liters.

Historical Context: Glenfarclas is one of the few distilleries in Scotland still privately owned by a family, which helped it navigate through economic recessions comfortably.
Geographical Significance: The use of European oak for sherry casks, which was more common in the past, contributes to the whisky's unique flavor profile.

Opinions: Horst Luening describes the whisky as "incredibly Moorish," indicating its high quality and the desire it creates for more.
Quotes: "So whenever you get your fingers on one of these old family casks of Glenfarclas, have a try. They are extraordinarily expensive and from year to year they're rising in price."

Glenfarclas Family Cask 1962 is a nearly 50-year-old single malt Scotch whisky.
Matured in a sherry cask, it has a unique balance of strong oakiness and heavy fruitiness.
The whisky comes with a leaflet detailing the distillery's family-owned heritage.
It is described as having a complex flavor profile, with notable characteristics of citrus, dried fruits, and a strong oak influence.
The whisky is part of a limited release, making it highly sought after and expensive.

Whisky Collectors: Due to its rarity, age, and unique characteristics, this whisky is highly recommended for collectors seeking to add a distinguished bottle to their collection.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a developed palate who can appreciate the complex interplay of flavors and the history behind such an aged whisky.
Investors: Given the whisky's increasing value, it may appeal to investors looking for rare bottles that appreciate over time.