Single malt whisky - tasting notes

01 Aug 2009

Glenfarclas 1970 (Whisky Agency)

Posted by: Ruben In: Glenfarclas

Although the label doesn’t mention the name explicitely (just “Speyside”), we are informed that it is Glenfarclas. This bottling is part of the second Perfect Dram releases by The Whisky Agency.

Be sure to compare this one to the Bunnahabhain 1974 by The Whisky Agency, another heavy sherry bottling in the same series.

 

Glenfarclas 1970 - Whisky Agency Glenfarclas 39 yo 1970 (54,4%, The Perfect Dram 2009, first fill oloroso butt, 240 btl.)

Beautiful oloroso colour! Nose: classic sherry influence. 1+1 is definitely more than 2 here. Very big, dark chocolate smell with raisins, oranges and dry figs. Some toasted flavours (coffee, roasted nuts). Hints of matches but far away from the sulphur alarm. Just terrific. You might argue this is closer to sherry than whisky though. Mouth: very powerful and still very sherried, developing on dry fruits (figs, prunes, cherries) and going towards balsamic syrup. Slightly bitter hints (cafe cortado or over-infused tea) with a faint salty edge. Really mouth-coating and very concentrated. Finish: medium long and very elegant.

Amazing how sherry maturation can result in such an integrated dram (like only Glenfarclas can produce). A real sherry bomb. Actually, when diluted, this is getting really close to some of my best sherry bottles… Price unknown.

Score: 89/100

Glenfarclas 1970 (Whisky Agency) 4 Ruben Luyten 2009-08-01

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  • WhiskyNotes: I meant that in an affirmative way: you absolutely wouldn't be tempted to think this was distilled on Islay, because it's clearly different.
  • StuartHighland: 'You would never think this was distilled on Islay'... that because it wasnt. It was distilled at Balblair, but matured in a cask previously used by a
  • WhiskyNotes: Thanks Sjoerd. Not that I'm not interested, but it's Glenflagler mixed with other malts so I'm afraid it's not an option to tick it off my list. Thank

Coming up

  • Bowmore 1996 (TWA Faces)
  • Braeval 1994 (Liquid Library)
  • Laphroaig 2000 (Perfect Dram)
  • Glen Moray 1995 (Carn Mor)
  • Longrow Rundlets & Kinderkins
  • Glenfarclas Chairman's reserve 175
  • Balvenie Tun 1858 (batch 1)

1258 notes by Ruben

WhiskyNotes - Ruben LuytenThis blog is my personal collection of impressions, written while searching for the ultimate single malt whisky.