Glenfarclas The Family Casks 15 Years Old 1995 Cask #6778

Glenfarclas from the distillery, a 15 year old, from 1995, cask 6778, at 60.1%, 264 bottles in all. Glenfarclas is a Speyside single malt drawn from the largest, direct fired stills in Speyside. Its water rises from the granite of Ben Rinnes, above the distillery at Ballindalloch. It was licensed in 1836 under Robert Hay and bought in 1865 by John Grant for 511 pounds. It launched the 105 in 1968, one of the first cask strength single malts sold to the public.

Taken gently through wash and spirit stills, for the rich, sherried make Glenfarclas is known for. An Oloroso sherry cask held it, drawing the rich spirit on over the years. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a drying, structured grip across the fruit. The cool, slow dunnage ageing loses little to evaporation, the spirit holding its depth. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate.

At a natural 60.1% it is full and rich. A rich, sherried sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A dark chocolate and a soft oak give it weight. The finish runs long, full and warming. This is Glenfarclas's deep, fruity Speyside style.