Glenfarclas 1986 The Family Casks (Spring 2017)

Glenfarclas 1986 The Family Casks (Spring 2017), 30 YO, 52.8 %

If you love sherry matured whiskies you should give the Family Casks series from Glenfarclas a try. This time I have tested the Glenfarclas 1986 The Family Casks (Spring 2017). It was distilled in 1986 (date not specified), matured in a refill sherry butt (cask 3447), and then bottled on 2017-01-24. The total outturn was 546 bottles.

The Glenfarclas 1986 The Family Casks (Spring 2017) will be released for sale in Norway on December 15 at NOK 4065 (8113101).

Nose: Tempered and restrained. You immediately sense this is an old and rich whisky. It is powerful, but does not flaunt its power. A sherry bomb that has yet to go off, but it is ripe with potential. Dried fruits of various kinds, exotic and warm spices. A feeling of Christmas and cakes that are yummy and not good for you at all!

Taste: As full-bodied as Santa Claus. More of the exotic spices upfront, but it is smooth as well (yeah, I know 'smooth' is a bit of a cliché, but it is very accurate here). Butterscotch, vanilla, red berry jam, and soft notes of dried fruits.

Finish: Very long finish. In fact the finish is so long I simply have to have another sip before it dies out. I now get honey and honey-glazed, baked apples. A smidgen of burnt caramel, and perhaps a touch of Seville oranges.

Comments: A fabulous Glenfarclas. Just in time for Christmas!

Score (92/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas