Glenfarclas launch new range The Family Casks

[Mark]

Hi spotted this on another site and thought it may interest you all here.

Glenfarclas Whisky have just launched a new range of Glenfarclas expressions, The Family Casks. This is a collection of 43 single casks, with one for every year from 1952 to 1994.

I am a Glenfarclas fan but this is the first i have heard of this new single cask range, i cant even see it mentioned on the Glenfarclas website.

You can read more about it here:
http://www.scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk/forum ... .php?t=193

Mark

[hpulley]

I got a blurb about it from the LCBO as well so it seems we can get them here.

All of the casks have only recently been bottled, so these scotches, presenting every vintage from 1952 until 1994, range in age from 12 to 55 years. These whiskies are perfect for anniversaries, birthdays or the Glenfarclas fan who is hunting down a new expression.

Of course, great things are meant to be shared and enjoyed, not kept in a cellar. Vintages is very proud to present this virtual offer of Glenfarclas’ brilliant bottlings of The Family Casks.

I'd love to buy one but the prices are out of line for me unfortunately from $229 for the 1994 to $2995 for the 1952 (all 700mL). You have to put down a 50% deposit now (phone orders only) and it should arrive next year. If anyone wants the email send me your address and I'll forward it.

Harry

[vitara7]

good selection, but a bit on the pricey side for me. well, pricey for glenfarclas.

[Oliver]

good selection, but a bit on the pricey side for me. well, pricey for glenfarclas.

Yeah, prices are out of control in the whisky industry these days.

Glenfarclas, but also Dalmore (see the fun piece in http://www.whiskyfun.com today about it). And of course, Macallan just about doubled the price of its 18, 25 and 30 year olds in just a few years....

Also on Whiskyfun, in the guise of a comic strip, a cautionary tale about the practice of pricing one's malts way, way up in the stratosphere rendering their industry extremely vulnerable in case of a recession.
The tale? Cognac. They did with Cognac what Macallan, Glenfarclas, Ardbeg, the Dalmore are doing to whisky. And now, Cognac as a drink category is virtually extinct.

[Admiral]

I've tasted two of the Family Cask range, and I thought they were both spectacular. One of them would even be competing to be the best whisky I've ever tasted.

As for price - well, given that they are single cask bottlings, at cask strength, and some of them are extremely old (e.g. 40 years plus), I think their price is actually very good value. I do not believe it is fair to accuse Glenfarclas of being too pricey or expensive in this instance.

Compare these bottlings to similar single-cask, cask strength, special-release whiskies on the market, and I think you'll find they're very much par for the course.

Cheers,
ADmiral

[vitara7]

but £80 for a 1994 glenfarlas... the older stuff might be fairly priced, ive no idea as i dont know what their charging for them, but £80 for a 1994. may well be single cask and cask strength, but just going on the price of that one bottle... you can buy macallan seasonals for less.

[Admiral]

Well, I don't know what typical costs are in the UK, but the 80 pounds you've quoted for a 13yo whisky equates to $200 Aussie dollars.

The major source of cask strength, single cask bottlings in Australia is the SMWS, and a 13yo would probably sell for around $200-$210, so the cost seems about right to me.

Cheers,
ADmiral

[hpulley]

It is quite overpriced here as well. The 1994 Glenfarclas family cask is a 12yo and I know of no 12yo cask strength single cask bottlings from others which costs $229 here. The closest might be what I thought was an expensive '94 OMC Caol Ila for $149 and '91 15yo OMC Ardbeg for a rediculous $239 though I suppose those ones aren't even cask strength.

Similarly the '79 Glenfarclas family cask is $529 here and even Diageo's Port Ellens aren't that expensive. In fact, the 4th release ('79 25yo) is currently on sale for $275 down from the ludicrously high initial $430, though again that one isn't single cask. '81 Brora Signatory CS is $325 and '81 OMC PE is $319 (again probably not cask really strength) compared to $520 for the Glenfarclas.

I wish I still had the price list of the Macallans when they did something similar. The prices are probably a good deal compared to the Macallans which had some 50mL minis of very old stuff for such prices. Heck a 21yo Macallan Fine Oak 43% is $349

Harry

[Oliver]

I do not believe it is fair to accuse Glenfarclas of being too pricey or expensive in this instance.

Compare these bottlings to similar single-cask, cask strength, special-release whiskies on the market, and I think you'll find they're very much par for the course.

Cheers,
ADmiral

Ok, how about The Balvenie 15 year old OB. Its a single cask at cask strength. And its much, much cheaper then Glenfarclas.
No doubt about it they are jacking up their prices.
Even the folks at the Maison du Whisky think its a stupid move...

[Deactivated Member]

The major source of cask strength, single cask bottlings in Australia is the SMWS, and a 13yo would probably sell for around $200-$210, so the cost seems about right to me.

Remind me not to emigrate!

Over here, single cask single malts of that age would probably be cheap at £30 but expensive at £40.

[Leither]

My favourite subject - 'perceived price of a a new range' and 'farclas is in my top 3 speysiders. To throw in my perception, and that is from a value-conscious punter perspective, the new 'farclas expressions are expensive and definitely a move by the Grant family to get top dollar or, to quote the marketeers speak, 'premiumise' their brand.

They have obviously positioned this series as 'a cut above', and not at Joe Punters like me, so fair play to them. Furthermore, they are also following the current market trend by releasing vintages and at the same time attempting to corner the 'anniversary collection' market, whereby afficionados select from a year which is significant to them.

So, ultimately not for me, but good luck to them - I'm sure they'll know what they are doing and will have sussed out the market for this series.

When I spoke to them last month they were saying that if a certain year's stock sells quickly they have plenty back up in reserve to release another cask from any year from these vintages.

Meanwhile I'll stick to the 15yo and if I win on the gee-gees may pick up a 1967 and a 1971 (and maybe even an '89!).... in other words I would if I could but I can't.

[irishwhiskeychaser]

Compare these bottlings to similar single-cask, cask strength, special-release whiskies on the market, and I think you'll find they're very much par for the course.

But this is the problem ... they are all looking at each other and not the consumer or the market in say 3-5 years, is cashing in now such a smart move ... if it leads to a loss in loyalty from the consumer .... the prices are just going up and up and I for one reckon it will all end in tears..... there is only so much that a Joe Soap like me will take and ... well time will tell.


By the way you still can get the likes of a 1954 OB Glenfarclas for £350 okay so it is only 43% and not single cask ... so does that mean it's worth another 700-800 quid

[Deactivated Member]

Come on, it's a high-end limited series--a prestige range aimed at collectors and luxury anniversary-celebrators. It's the prices on the 12 and 17 and such we ought to worry about, not this. It matters not a whit to me whether a bottle of such is priced at £250 or £250,000. Things like this are purposely priced not to sell, at least not quickly--part of the value is having them seen in the marketplace for a long time.

If anyone really cares, you might compare it to the Glenlivet Cellar Collection.

[Ganga]

Please look at the single cask of Glenfarclas here. http://www.beltramos.com/spirits.htm

Beltramos has done two of these bottlings with Highland Park. Hi-Times has also done one. These run about $100-120 and have been 15-19 yo. I believe Binny's has done several also but they were much older with corresponding price increases.

[Admiral]

Oliver wrote

Ok, how about The Balvenie 15 year old OB. Its a single cask at cask strength. And its much, much cheaper then Glenfarclas.

Not a good example to cite, Oliver. It's part of their standard core range, so it's hardly a one-off or special release.

Nick wrote

Remind me not to emigrate!

Over here, single cask single malts of that age would probably be cheap at £30 but expensive at £40.

Well, that's the luxury you have of living in the UK! It costs money to ship small quantities of whisky to the colonies! And cask-strength whiskies are very heavily taxed in most other countries, particularly Australia. Still, any time you feel like nice weather and supporting a national team that actually wins at most sports, please feel free to come over!

IWC said

But this is the problem ... they are all looking at each other and not the consumer or the market in say 3-5 years, is cashing in now such a smart move ... if it leads to a loss in loyalty from the consumer .... the prices are just going up and up and I for one reckon it will all end in tears..... there is only so much that a Joe Soap like me will take and ... well time will tell.

Well, possibly, but bear in mind that Glenfarclas is one of the last of the truly family-owned and independent distilleries. They certainly don't have the marketing arm and deep pockets of the likes of Diageo, Edrington, etc, etc and they no doubt have their own long-term plans that I suspect are focussed a little differently to the multi-nationals.

You can rest assured that Glenfarclas are most definitely not trying to copy or emulate some of their neighbours. And yes, I do have the inside word on that.

Mr T said

Come on, it's a high-end limited series--a prestige range aimed at collectors and luxury anniversary-celebrators. It's the prices on the 12 and 17 and such we ought to worry about, not this.

Well said, sir! I agree with you 100%. We have to acknowledge that this is truly a special release and not a garden variety expression of Glenfarclas.

* * * * *

But most importantly of all, you have to consider the quality of what you're paying for. Most special releases of this nature are expensive, but rarely deliver on the palate. This, I believe, is where the Family Cask range is different: The quality of the whisky in these bottles is truly spectacular. Yes, I've only tasted two of them (which is more than anyone else around here can claim), but they were absolutely sublime, top-notch drams, and I'm very much aware that considerable care and concern went into the selection of these casks.

We'd be annoyed to pay such high prices and get a whisky that is just okay or pleasant at best. But when you pay a high price and the whisky is sensational, then.....what do we have to complain about?

Cheers,
ADmiral

[Frodo]

I've seen something like these limited releases from Glengoyne at similarly outragious prices. As long as the regular OB lines are unaffected I join Mr. TH in not caring. I will say it's a shame though as I was considering ordering a bottle until I saw the prices. Then I just sat back and laughed.

[hpulley]

It is particularly laughable here as the LCBO lists cask numbers and types but doesn't guarantee those are what you'll get, just the year you are after. For collectors the particular cask and type is important so it seems as usual that the LCBO is more going after the birthday/anniversary crowd than the collector. Canadian whisky retailer of the year! Bollocks...

Harry

[hpulley]

We'd be annoyed to pay such high prices and get a whisky that is just okay or pleasant at best. But when you pay a high price and the whisky is sensational, then.....what do we have to complain about?

Cheers,
ADmiral

High prices we can always complain about... no matter how good the whisky it would always taste better if it only cost 20 bucks/quid

I can say I won't take your word for it alone to plunk down that kind of cash and at those prices I'll never know if they're good or birthday plonk.

BTW, Admiral it seems like you've taken up a bit of a brand ambassador position with Glenfarclas. Just a satisfied customer or...??? No insult intended, you just seem to be pushing these quite strongly.

Harry

[martin grant]

Canadian whisky retailer of the year! Bollocks...

Harry

Thought you might have had something to say about the LCBO being awarded multiple retailer of the year Harry!

[Admiral]

Harry asks,

BTW, Admiral it seems like you've taken up a bit of a brand ambassador position with Glenfarclas. Just a satisfied customer or...??? No insult intended, you just seem to be pushing these quite strongly.

Ha ha! No, despite my somewhat passionate defence of Glenfarclas, I am, honestly, just a satisfied customer. In fact, I've probably gone on the record here on a few occasions over the years in stating that Glenfarclas is my favourite distillery, so I certainly carry some personal bias and favouritism. But to be absolutely clear, I have no arrangement or involvement with Glenfarclas whatsoever. I'm just a consumer, albeit one who has spoken freely with some of the distillery's staff over a dram or two.

Absolutely no offence taken, but I'm glad you recognised my passion!

Cheers,
ADmiral

[Deactivated Member]

Admiral, you hint at another point I wanted to make. In making price comparisons, we tend quite often to equate one 30yo single-cask bottling with another. It's one thing for G&M (for example) to keep an essentially random cask in the warehouse for thirty years; quite another to have the pick of the Glenfarclas warehouses. Casks chosen for other IB's will not be entirely random, of course, but one would think that Glenfarclas (or any distiller) would be loathe to let the very best out of their hands.

(Wasn't Random Cask a character in one of the Austin Powers movies?)

[Admiral]

Yes, my point exactly....these are special, hand-picked casks, not just garden variety barrels that happen to fit an age statement.

Cheers,
ADmiral

[ApriliaKen]

I've always thought the Glenfarclas was vastly under-priced for the quality ... and am not at all surprised that the new range is being priced at a market rate.

I'll freely admit it's out of my day-to-day range - but I already stick all my spare change into a wee box and add it up at the end of the year to pay for a "free" bottle of something decent. If that's the Glenfarclas then I'll be b..... delighted.

I love the rich and long taste of the 105 but the 21-y-o is supreme with just a hint of smoke - if I can afford one of the new range then I'll well chuffed.

Glasgow's Whisky Club has a Glenfarclas tasting later this month so I do hope Robert will be bringing along a wee something special

Ken

[Jan]

I've always thought the Glenfarclas was vastly under-priced for the quality ... and am not at all surprised that the new range is being priced at a market rate.

Could be - but if this is an indication of the market rates to come, I need to be in another market.

I have trouble justifying much more than €300 for a bottle of anything - even bottles of the very best quality. In the end of the day it is just a whisky after all...

[Di Blasi]

I just pleasantly and surprisingly saw a nice variety of vintages while passing through Oslo Tuesday morning!!

[K-Mile]

I saw one of you mention that they will become available in a year or so. Is this correct that they are being announced this far up front? The Glenfarclas website says they were launced last month. Does 'launching' mean that they will be made available to retailers directly? Or much later?

[parvus]

A few weeks back I was lucky enough to have a flight of the family cask series: '94, '84', '77, '67 and finally the 1957.

Whilst the price of the 50's and 60's bottles reach leg-crossing, wallet grasping territory, these whisky's are definitely bottled and selected to be consumed.

Whilst i'd like to collect a few of these, I honestly don't think I could resist the urge to open them.

I'm not a huge fan of sherry maturation, but the whole range was amazing. That '77 is just incredible.

[Admiral]

I saw one of you mention that they will become available in a year or so. Is this correct that they are being announced this far up front?

No, they have been released and are on sale now.

That '77 is just incredible.

Agreed !!!

[hpulley]

I saw one of you mention that they will become available in a year or so. Is this correct that they are being announced this far up front?

No, they have been released and are on sale now.

Well, in some markets they might be on sale. At the LCBO they must be preordered and, "The Scotches are expected to arrive in early 2008." This from the Canadian Scotch Whisky retailer of the year as voted by Whisky Magazine I presume fast customer service was not one of the criterion... It appears that the usual 3-6 month wait for private orders is in play here while they transport it to their warehouse on the Scottish mainland, sit around and do nothing for a few months, put it on a slow boat to Toronto, let it languish in the warehouse for weeks before finally releasing it. I suppose having them available for order now sort of means they are "on sale" here but they will never be on LCBO shelves where you can walk into a store, pick one up and pay for it.

Harry

[hpulley]

Is the edit button gone again? I think I meant criteria above, not criterion...

Anyways, another delay at the LCBO is its testing lab. Have to make sure none of those old sherry casks have too much ethyl carbamate in them

Harry

[K-Mile]

Like I accidentally cross-posted in a topic of my own... How was the 1984? I am from the same 'vintage', so I was curious (and not quite original) to give that one a try.

It's one of the only ones not sherry matured, so it might stand out (good or bad) from the rest of the series.

[parvus]

Like I accidentally cross-posted in a topic of my own... How was the 1984? I am from the same 'vintage', so I was curious (and not quite original) to give that one a try.

It's one of the only ones not sherry matured, so it might stand out (good or bad) from the rest of the series.

I found the 84 to be quite dry, but other than that it was a very nice ex-bourbon matured whisky. I'd say of the lot, it was the one I enjoyed the least - that's not to say it wasn't nice tho.

[K-Mile]

I found the 84 to be quite dry, but other than that it was a very nice ex-bourbon matured whisky. I'd say of the lot, it was the one I enjoyed the least - that's not to say it wasn't nice tho.

Ah, well, I was having that feeling too. I am not all that fond of a heavily 'bourbony' malt.

It is quite an expensive 19yo, so buying it just to have a 1984 laying around might be a little bit too much..

[smsmmns]

I tend to agree with Ken, Glenfarclas has always been slightly underpriced, and while I pray that doesn't change (£42 for the excellent 21yo, £100+/- for the 30yo?) I think the release of the Family Cask range is a brilliant idea(financially), and a monumental event(historically).

And what is with all this critical talk about charging premium prices for their vintages, "after all, it is only whisky." Only whisky? What, are orange juice fora equally active? Do people collect bottled water? Is there any other spirit that can achieve the same variety of flavour as Scottish whisky? It's only whisky if we are only drinking it to get drunk. I imagine most folks who read this get more than a chemical high out of the water of life.

Fyi, I am tasting a few vintages on Dr. Whisky this week.

http://www.drwhisky.co.uk

[aljones]

In what must be the ultimate vertical tasting, the complete Glenfarclas Family Casks range can be sampled Saturday-Sunday December 8-9 in Stockholm, Sweden. Some of the bottlings are already sold out with replacements in the works, so this will in all likelihood be the only complete tasting of the first release Family Casks.

George S. Grant will host. 14 ml of each of the 43 vintages will be served. Price: 3750 Swedish crowns for both days or 1950 for one day. (You do the math).

The event is being arranged by Swedish whisky guru Henrik Aflodal. He can be reached at henrik@aflodal.com. There is a web page, but only in Swedish: http://www.aflodal.com/glenfarclas/tickets.htm

I have decided to attend.

Al Jones