This Glenfarclas 2008 is a single cask release for Corman Collins, one of the pioneers in Belgium when it comes to selling single malt whisky. For some time they acted as the Belgian partner of La Maison du Whisky and they released some joint bottlings with Mario Grooteklaes (“M&H Cask Selection”) who later started The Nectar.
They celebrated the 50th anniversary of the company in 2015 but recently also the decease of the founder Hubert Corman. I believe this Glenfarclas 2008 ‘Cuvée du Fondateur Corman Collins 2016’ was bottled in his honour.
Glenfarclas 2008 (58%, OB ‘Cuvée du Fondateur’ for Corman Collins 2016, cask #2982, 335 btl.)
Glenfarclas 2008 (58%, OB ‘Cuvée du Fondateur’ for Corman Collins 2016, cask #2982, 335 btl.)Nose: the high strength makes it a bit volatile, with lots of oak polish. Behind it some elegant fruits (yellow plums, apricots), with hints of walnuts, leaves, earth and light tobacco. Hints of marzipan and peonies. Quite nice actually, powerful but with an elegant sherry influence. This is close to a much older refill sherry butt profile, but more intense. Even more aromatic with some water.
Mouth: powerful, oily, fruity and just slightly grainy spirit. Some muesli, stewed apples and pears, hints of oranges. Light waxy notes. Roasted nuts, herbs and spices. Darker fruits like blackberries too. Again quite intense and a little nervous, but water helps to make it more drinkable without drowning the flavours.
Finish: very long, nicely fruity, with the same polish and some gingery / peppery oak.
Full-bodied, assertive whisky, but with more balance and depth than you’d expect at this age. And it swims nicely. Around € 115.
Score: 88/100