Glenfarclas 40 Years Old 2nd Release 46% NV

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (91)

This is the rather fairly priced (when compared to other 40yo officials by other distillers) new wonder! Colour: dark amber with red hues. Nose: ultra-typical old sherried Glenfarclas, full of chocolate, raisins, prunes and then touches of mint, liquorice and varnish/pine resin. Also hints of blackcurrant buds, blackberry jam and finally a little coffee, smoked ham and toasted bread. Also a little walnut stain and maybe poppy seeds. In short, a classic. Mouth: excellent attack, with a flavourful oakiness (black pepper sauce alike) and various liqueur-filled chocolates. Chocolate-covered prunes. Goes on with fresh and clean notes of blood oranges, raspberry liqueur and just a few herbal notes that may hint at well-aged chartreuse. Hints of cough syrup. Finish: long, more on fruit skins and jams. Very pleasant fruity and resinous bitterness. Faint tannicity and liquorice in the aftertaste. Comments: I think it’s a good example of an old malt where an obvious oakiness brings more substance and complexity. Very well composed and worth its fair price, no doubt about that.

Gal Granov (93)

Nose: On initial whiff, i get lots of balsamic vinegar and macadamia nuts. After 10 minutes or so, the Vinegar is all gone and gives place to Wood spice, Cinnamon and nutmeg, some pipe tobacco with the expected sherry notes of prunes, and dates. A grand nose both Very thick and enticing.

Palate: Starting on Sherry notes of the prunes , then comes a whiff of chocolate and prune jam, espresso cocoa and some nuttiness. Wine notes. A little tingle on the tongue. Big bodied and creamy feeling.

Finish: Long on the coffee and chocolate, not as oaky as one would think a 40 year old to be, way to go Glenfarclas.

Summing it up:

This is really an absolutely grand dram. Older, with a vibrant nose and note too oaky as some 40 year old tend to be. Sherry is just right, and balance is perfect.

The only problem is now I have to to get it, because I am in love. Life is tough.

Words of Whisky (91)