Glenfarclas

When arriving at the grounds of the Glenfarclas Distillery, the large still which has been placed outside the distillery’s visitor center truly catches the eye of the visitors. Located in the heart of Speyside at the foot of the Ben Rinnes Mountain, the Glenfarclas Distillery is noticeable as one of the most traditional operating distilleries in Scotland today. Still family-owned and producing a broad range of vintage single malt whiskies such as the Glenfarclas 105 and the Glenfarclas Family cask 1960, 54 Years Old Vintage which honors its family history and tradition in distilling.

The Glenfarclas Distillery was established and licensed in the midst of the 19th century by a farmer named Robert Hay. When Robert Hay passed away in 1865, the Glenfarclas Distillery was purchased by John Grant, whose ancestors would treasure this distillery as his legacy until today. Glenfarclas is currently at the helm of the fifth and sixth generation of the Grant family, with John Grant operating as the distillery’s commander-in-chief and his son George Grant as the distillery’s global brand ambassador.

More than over one and a half century of experience of distilling craftsmanship, the Grants know too well that when it comes down to the quality of the whisky, even the tiniest details can make or break the spirit’s character. Therefore, Glenfarclas maintains to its traditional distilling methods with great pride and the overall full process involves the full spectrum of quality, time and effort, without concessions being made. Such was the case in 1981, when the Grants made an exceptional attempt to reduce the costs on an experimental base, by heating their stills indirectly with steam instead of fire. After three weeks, the spirit turned out to be flat and nowhere near the quality that Glenfarclas is well known for. The Grants decided to discontinue this experiment immediately and had the traditional distillery heating process restored in full pride, despite the of higher costs of traditional distilling.

Perhaps, the next generation of the Grant descendants will continue the family legacy, honoring Glenfarclas’ traditions, craftsmanship and loyalty.