Glenfarclas Distillery Exclusive 26 Years Old 1989

A 26 year old Glenfarclas, a distillery bottling, from 1989, at 56.3%, 585 bottles in all. Glenfarclas is a Speyside single malt from Ballindalloch, in the heart of Speyside. Its six stills are the largest in Speyside and among the very few still fired directly, now by gas.

It was distilled in copper pot stills, for the rich, sherried make Glenfarclas is known for. It was fully matured in an Oloroso sherry cask, the wood deep in the rich spirit. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer raisin and treacle. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate. Active wood drives the maturation, the cask deep in the malt. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. Maturation runs slow and even in the dunnage warehouses at Ballindalloch.

At a natural 56.3% it is full and rich. A rich, sherried sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Beneath it run dried fruit, dark sugar and a warm spice. The finish is long, rich and spiced. This is a rich Speyside malt of dried fruit and nut.