Glenfarclas 12 Year

Had this on a United flight, apparently the distillery struck a deal and now the 12 year is on every United flight. Glenfarclas's nose isn't a classic sherry bomb as I might have expected from its reputation. It does have a wine-like character, but also a lot of apple (like cider, as my wife put it), and a bit of varnish. The palate is the best part, again with apple leading the way, some grape, a lot of herbal spiciness, and a roast nut quality that leaves a smoky or mildly sulfurous impression. The finish is disappointingly short and is more of a bitter tingle, like resin, with just a hint of tart fruitiness. I'd take Macallan 12 over Glenfarclas 12 any day, due to the letdown at the finish, but I remain excited to try the famous 17.

Really a fantastic buy under $50. Really solid every day dram.