Glenfarclas Oloroso Sherry Cask Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenfarclas Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: This whisky is a blend of first-fill and second-fill Oloroso Sherry casks, with a significant amount of first-fill casks contributing to its profile. It is un-chill filtered, maintaining its natural flavors and oils.
Age Statement: 12 years, vintage 2006, bottled in 2018.
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky is presented in a dark brown bottle, indicating its status in the higher range of Glenfarclas offerings. The natural cork used is of exceptional quality, adding to the premium feel of the product.

General Profile: Fruity with a hefty sherry influence, showcasing dark fruits and a touch of vanilla. The flavor evolves with each sip, revealing more complexity.
Balance of Flavors: The balance leans towards intense sherry and dark fruit notes, with vanilla sweetness becoming more pronounced over time. The palate is further enriched with herbal notes, a distinctive blood orange or bergamot orange oil bitterness, and a robust oaky finish with hints of espresso.
Unique Characteristics: The transition from sweet, ripe dark fruits to a more complex, bitter, and oaky profile is notable. The use of European oak alongside American white oak contributes to a more intense maturation process, adding depth to the whisky's flavor.

The Glenfarclas Distillery is highlighted as a favorite of the reviewer, Horst Luening, indicating a personal connection and appreciation for the brand's offerings. The detailed description of the cork's quality underscores the attention to detail in the whisky's presentation.

Glenfarclas is known for its traditional approach to whisky making, and its use of Oloroso Sherry casks is a testament to its commitment to rich, sherry-influenced Scotch whiskies. The distillery's location in Scotland and its history contribute to the whisky's identity and appeal.

"This one is well into the high-end Glenfarclas...a little younger, a little bit more powerful."
"This is one of the best natural bottle corks I had."
"It's a mouthful, extreme, robust, full."

Glenfarclas Oloroso Sherry Cask is a 12-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, matured in a blend of first-fill and second-fill Oloroso Sherry casks.
It features a rich, fruity, and sherry-heavy flavor profile with evolving notes of vanilla, dark fruits, herbal and oaky bitterness.
The whisky is presented in a premium dark brown bottle with an exceptional natural cork.
It is un-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV, priced affordably around 50 euros/dollars/pounds.
The use of European oak contributes to a more intense maturation, adding depth to the flavor.

Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the rich, fruity, and complex profile typical of sherry cask-aged whiskies.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Individuals looking for a robust, full-bodied whisky with evolving flavors and a significant oaky finish.
Value Seekers: Whisky lovers seeking high-quality, affordably priced single malts with a unique and engaging flavor profile.