pkingmartin
Glenfarclas 25 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
June 7, 2021 (edited September 30, 2023)
After reading many great reviews that this is probably the best VFM 25 year old here on Distiller, I am finally getting around to trying this legendary whisky.
The nose is very rich starting with a sherry grape mustiness alongside roasted nuts of almond and macadamia. After the initial sherry notes, comes floral notes of orange blossom, honeysuckle that transitions to fruits of honey dew, apricots, lychee, dehydrated apple chips that slowly fades to light spices of ginger, cinnamon, leather and old polished mahogany with light ethanol burn.
The taste starts with a rich and viscous mouthfeel with sherry notes of dark chocolate covered raisins, then roasted nuts, leading to fruits of honey dew, oranges, apple chips, apricots and lychee before a slow transition to light spices of ginger, cloves, cinnamon sticks, leather, and old polished mahogany with light ethanol burn.
The finish is medium length with a sherry blast first with dark chocolate covered raisins and musty grape then orange peel, candied ginger, peach ring candy, toasted walnuts, macadamia, cloves, leather and old polished mahogany.
After having the 17, I was worried for another bitter fruit zest finish, but the flavors are integrated wonderfully with the sherry notes leading before a harmonious mix of floral and fruits that finishes with light barrel spices and well-aged leather and oak notes. Unfortunately, it appears I found out about this too late, as the Virginia ABC is now selling these for 245 instead of the 170 it was prior. It's still a good VFM whisky compared to other 25 year olds and thanks for the generous sample @ContemplativeFox.
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@HunterAshton Thanks, I’ll have to get around to trying the 21 some day.
Great review. I agree on the bitterness of the 17. It’s a bizarre bottling, and really it’s its’ own beast. The 21 comes back around nicely, and the 25 hits the sweet spot, right on the mark. Sláinte🥃
@Ctrexman Thanks, I think it’s a great purchase and one I would make today if it was still under 200 near me.
@PBMichiganWolverine @cascode Glenfarclas 25 is becoming and proving to be the wise choice. Appeal, price and quality.
@Scott_E Highland Park 18, Glencadam 21, Arran 18 and Dalmore 18 would all be good choices for a mixed group of enthusiasts and civilians as well.
@ContemplativeFox Mainly the strength. 48% could be a little hot for those not used to whisky, plus the Glengoyne profile is more robust. The 43% of the Glenfarclas is a good compromise.
@Scott_E good choice for a wedding. Staying with speyside or highland is safe...don’t want Islay, might be polarizing. And then, at 25yr, very few become affordable—-Glenfarclas fits in nicely for quality and price.
@ContemplativeFox I came down to three, really, by reading and asking opinions, with some parameters. Glengoyne sounds exceptional however, way on the high end in price for me. Glenfarclas I just enjoy and know the quality is quite good and will be enjoyed by most who enjoy whisky. The other I have kicked around was Glendronach 21, which I believe sits in the middle in cost and quality. However, I am now leaning towards GF25. Still asking though…
Nice review, think you may have convinced me to purchase this
@cascode Is it the higher proof that makes you say the glengoyne would be more difficult for beginners?
@Scott_E How did you come down to those two? I've heard great things about the Glengoyne 25 as well (but I've never felt like it was worth purchasing at 3x the cost of the Farclas). Also, congratulations on the upcoming wedding!
@Scott_E It would be a good choice, I think. The age statement looks impressive, it’s satisfying for the experienced palate but also not a challenge for those unfamiliar with scotch. The Glengoyne would be a little more difficult for beginners, I think.
@PBMichiganWolverine @cascode I was thinking about this for my son’s upcoming wedding. Also kicking around the idea of Glengoyne 25. But I keep coming back to this due to the vfm.
A great whisky, I’ve always had a soft spot for the 25, and yes “integrated” is the word. Registered retail here is AUD$260 but it is regularly available through one importer who sells online for $200 (around US$160) which is remarkable for a 25 year old.
@ctbeck11 @ContemplativeFox that’s quite a price hike. Here in NJ, it’s for $150. Amazing price for a 25 yr old
Excellent notes! Glad you liked it :) Sadly, as you pointed out, even this is getting harder to afford.
Sounds delicious. Looking forward to cracking my sample from @ContemplativeFox soon.