Glenfarclas Family Casks 1988 Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenfarclas Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single malt Scotch whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled in 1988, matured in a refill sherry hogshead (cask number 1993), and bottled on July 2, 2013. This makes it a 25-year-old whisky.
Age Statement: 25 years.
ABV: 56.4%.
Color and Clarity: Described as quite dark, suggesting a second fill of the sherry hogshead due to the color transfer from the cask walls into the whisky.
Bottle Design: Specific design details are not mentioned, but there is a note about a fault at the cork, indicating quality assurance issues with the cork used.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a balance between the original distillery character and the maturation influences from the cask, with a preference for refill casks to maintain some distillery character in older whiskies.
Unique Characteristics: Noted for its mouthwatering intensity, lack of bitterness, and a welcoming smooth spiciness. The refill sherry hogshead contributes to a complex flavor profile without overpowering the whisky's inherent qualities.
Comparison: Compared to first-fill sherry cask matured whiskies, this one retains more of the distillery's character, offering a nuanced alternative to those where the cask dominates.

Anecdotes: The process of creating hogsheads from dismantled American bourbon casks and Spanish sherry casks due to high freight rates and cheap labor during the British recession of the late 20th century is highlighted.
Trivia: This bottle is one of 261, indicating its limited nature.

The Glenfarclas Distillery's approach to maturation, using refill sherry hogsheads, reflects a tradition of Scottish ingenuity in adapting to economic conditions (e.g., high freight rates, cheap labor) to maintain whisky production and quality.

Opinions: The reviewer, Horst Luening, praises the whisky for its complexity, mouthwatering intensity, and the perfect balance between distillery character and cask influence, describing it as "dangerously good" and "close to the top of perfection in terms of taste and aftertaste."
Quotes: "Dangerously good. Wonderful."

A 25-year-old Glenfarclas single malt from 1988, matured in a refill sherry hogshead.
Balances distillery character with cask influence, offering a complex flavor profile with vanilla, caramel, faint fruitiness, and a smooth spiciness.
The use of refill sherry hogsheads is praised for preserving distillery character in older whiskies.
The whisky is part of a limited release, making it a collector's item.
The reviewer highly recommends this whisky for its exceptional balance and rewarding taste.

Whisky Collectors: Due to its limited nature and unique story.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the subtleties of maturation and the balance between distillery character and cask influence.
Fans of Sherry Cask Whiskies: Especially those interested in experiencing a nuanced approach to sherry cask maturation.