I was very disappointed with the results in my first Glenfarclas review. The two 50ml samples I purchased from auction (21 and 25 year) didn’t appear to have any evidence of contamination, but after trying this sample from Master of Malt, it’s obvious there were spoiled in some form or another. The Glenfarclas 25 I’m trying here is a completely different whisky.
Glenfarclas 25, 43% ABV, $125 USD
- Nose: Everything you would get in a fruit cocktail (melons, pears, bananas, raspberries, strawberries, and apples), also apple juice, mild sherry, a really strong Red Ju-Jube note, wine gums, vanilla, subtle oak, and co-co powder.
- Taste: Chocolate covered fruit and chocolate liqueurs, almonds, hazel nuts, bitter orange, honey, and a nice oak note.
- Finish: Med-long, very complex, dark chocolate lingers.
- Thoughts: Wow, what a difference from my previous sample. This is an incredible whisky! I get all the great fruit notes on the nose, and rich chocolate on the palate and finish. I like how it transitions in that way. A mix of sherry and ex-bourbon casks I believe. The oak influence is perfectly integrated and balanced, not too heavy at all, in fact, it takes a back seat to everything else. I got the bottle at a Costco in Florida (US Costco’s have great deals on scotch). I was thinking about maybe trading the bottle, but ill be happy to open it and drink it now, very nice stuff indeed.
- Score: 92 + 1.5 value point(s) =93.5/100
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Scores:
After my initial score I will add or subtract points relative on how I perceive value (based on what I paid for the bottle). A zero value means I think the price is justified.
0-69.5 – Don’t bother trying, life is too short for bad spirit.
70-79.5 – Worth trying, but you’re not missing out if you don’t.
80-84.5 – I recommend trying.
85-87.5 – Definitely try this!
88-92.5 – I recommend buying a bottle blind!
93-95.5 – Stuff you reserve for special pours!
96+ – The meaning of life.
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I have this bottle and still have half left. I thought this was a bit underwhelming being a 25 yr. That said, I did pay $130 so I guess cost justifies taste? Its not bad, but its not great. I don’t think I will buy another bottle, but I would love to taste their family cask.