Glenfarclas.... your recommendations?

by **Lillyburn** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 12:12 am

So I'm going back to the store this weekend to pick out a Glenfarclas. Just determining what year would be great for a 1st timer to this particular whisky? Choices are 10yr, 12yr, 17yr, 25yr and 105.....
I've heard the 17yr is quite delicious however I have also heard the cheaper 10yr is a perfect 1st experience.

by **Paul A Jellis** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 2:09 am

I reckon the 15yr old to be one of the best, plenty of sherry, malt, a touch of peat, buttery and very complex.

I really like the 30yr old as well, but a little out of my pocket!

But neither of those are on your list, so I'd go for the 17yr old.

by **kildalton** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 2:18 am

I would go for the 25 that I found very good!

by **Di Blasi** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 2:53 am

Hey Lillyburn, welcome! I'd start with the 12y, really nice! I remember the 10y was a little Cognacish. And the 105 is also dynamite, but maybe not the one to jump into first.

by **Deactivated Member** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 9:18 am

As you say you are a "starter" I would recommend either the 12 or 17 but I will also say that your list is missing one of the great Glenfarclas drams - 1987 Quarter Casks.
MT

by **Di Blasi** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 11:47 am

Malt-Teaser wrote:As you say you are a "starter" I would recommend either the 12 or 17 but I will also say that your list is missing one of the great Glenfarclas drams - 1987 Quarter Casks.
MT

Hey Malt-Teaser, about that 1987 Quarter Cask, is it available at the distillery? I'll be visiting them in mid-April and wonder if I can get it there. I looked for it in London since you've highly reccomended it, but no luck. What do you think is a fair price to pay for it if I do find it??

by **Deactivated Member** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 11:56 am

Hi DB,
the one I have personally used was a limited edition: 1987 QC of only around 1300 bottles and it was an OB.

This particular one comes not in a cardboard box, but in what can only be described as a real straw condom :oops:

I have since seen another listed in a different online shop, but it was in a typical Glenfarclas cardboard box and I can't remember if it was also 1987 and limited.

The Glenfarclas QC, unlike the Laphroaig WC, is entirely matured in a QC and not just finished in one.

The correct price to pay would be €60 to €65 which would equate to 40 GBP to 44 GBP.

Let me know if you don't find one, maybe I can help.
MT

by **Leither** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 12:03 pm

Hi DB - I was up at Glenfarclas last week and no they don't have the QC available. In fact little other than is readily available - just the standard UK/Euro expressions ie 10, 15, 21, 25, 30 and CS105 plus they had an 8yo. I think they also had a 1972 vintage for circa £100. I chatted to the shop about the fact they would be best to have something unique to the distillery but withit being a family business seem a wee bit resistant to change.

They are soon to release single cask vintages, a few at a time from as far back as 1952, which sound great.

A really good tour they offer, the only downside is no access to the warehouses. Whilst I was there a tanker of new make was being filled up to be taken away. They're at full capacity just now.

Anyway, wondeful stuff is 'farclas - favourite of mine is the 15, as such I'd go for the 17 if I were you Lillyburn.

The 105 is also pretty good but I prefer the Aberlour A'bunadh over that.

by **Di Blasi** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 12:30 pm

Thanks Malt-Teaser and Leither!
About the Glenfarclas vintages they'll slowly release, they have already released the 1954, 46y, and it's stellar! Like munching on little bits of delicious gourmet candy! How was the 8y?
Looking forward to the tour then, sounds great!

by **Deactivated Member** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 2:47 pm

Leither wrote:A really good tour they offer, the only downside is no access to the warehouses.

You could look at the colorful doors...

by **Di Blasi** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 2:39 am

Beautiful, just beautiful! Gonna have to try and get in there!!

by **Admiral** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 3:12 am

I would have recommended the 15yo, but I see that's not on your list of available options.

In that case, go with either:

1) The 12yo, if you want to experience the refined, sophisticated side of Glenfarclas, or

2) The 105, if you want to experience the in-your-face sherry side of Glenfarclas.

Both are excellent drams, just different interpretations of the Glenfarclas magic.

Cheers,
ADmiral

by **Leither** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 11:27 am

DB - didn't try the 8, only for sale rather than sampling.

Tasted the 21yo and picked one up for the sum of £37.50

to add to my already open 15yo and, waiting for a the right occasion, 30yo - picked up for a steal in an Oddbins sale.

The guide told me that 'they are working on the distillery manager' to open up one of the warehouses. You'll see from Mr T's pic they are double padlocked - traditionally one key was kept by the distillery manager and one the customs officer.