Glenfarclas 10yr - Not a Bad Sherried Speyside...

[jwise]

This is the very last dram poured from the bottle, which I have had for nearly a year. It was hit pretty hard at first, then I kept it around for so long because I didn't want to see it go. However, it is time to make room in the cabinet, as I have been buying quite a few bottles lately!

The whisky is not dark, but not light either. It is somewhere between sunlight and pale straw I suppose, but I'll call it sunlight just because I have to choose. The ABV on this bottle is 40%, which is a bit underpowered for my usual taste.



Nose: The whisky has a definite sherry influence, and that comes out on top. Pear, dried dates, caramel, honey and vanilla. Very warm and inviting. A bit like a lot of other sherried Speysides to be honest. Shortbread cookies with sugar sprinkles, with just a bit of orange zest.

Body: Light body, somewhat smooth.

Palate: A bit sour in the mouth, slightly spicy. The honey and ripe fruits are gone.

Finish: Lots of orange and citrus fruits on the finish, some spice. Not as much honey and vanilla, but a bit of oak in the end.

Frankly, I've had numerous whiskies that have this same basic profile, but this is not the best of them. I would go with a half-dozen before I would choose this one, which is perhaps the reason this one has lasted in my cabinet so long.

[jwise]

This review was written after the bottle had been opened over a year. The first tasting notes did not have the sour taste on the palate, but instead had a much better review. Still, this whisky has a bit more citrus fruit than other whiskies, which I don't care for too much.

[malthound]

Which sherried whisky would you say was your favorite out of the ones you've tried? I ask, because I've wanted to try Glenfarclas 10 for a while now, but I always end up buying Aberlour 12 or A'bunahd. Have you tried any of these two before? if so, what do you think of them?

[jwise]

Aberlour 12 is one of my favorites at its price point ($34). The Balvenie 12yr Doublewood is also a fan favorite at its price point ($48).

I've tried the Macallan 12yr, Glenfarclas 10yr, Glen Gariach 8yr, and others, but for me, the Aberlour 12yr represents the best bang for your buck.

The Aberlour A'Bunadh is also one of the best whiskies in its class. I enjoy the Macallan Cask Strength as an alternative to the A'Bunadh, as I find them very similar and the Mac is cheaper in my area. I understand that the Glenfarclas 105 is in the same vein as the others, but I haven't tried it yet. I have an unopened sample in my cabinet, waiting for me to taste it.

I also have a special bottling from the Arran, a whisky matured for 11yrs in a single sherry cask. It has an ABV of 56%, so I expect it to be similar to Mac CS and A'Bunadh, but with a fuller and richer profile (smoke & pepper spice). However, it is also unopened, so I don't know for sure!

[jwise]

If you want to try something new/different, check out Aberlour's 10yr or 16yr. I have the 10yr, and it is very good (rich flavor, but not quite as smooth as the 12yr).