Glenfarclas 12 Years Old (Italy Exclusive)

This official Glenfarclas, a 12 year old, at 43%. Glenfarclas is a richly sherried Speyside single malt, run by the Grant family since 1865. It launched the 105 in 1968, one of the first cask strength single malts sold to the public. Its water rises from the granite of Ben Rinnes, above the distillery at Ballindalloch. Its spirit is matured almost wholly in sherry butts brought up from Jerez. It was licensed in 1836 under Robert Hay and bought in 1865 by John Grant for 511 pounds. It draws on that deep inventory for the Family Casks, single vintages reaching back to the 1950s.

Worked unhurried through the stillhouse, shaping a rich Speyside body with real weight. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the full character to the fore. By the integrating teens the raw notes fade and esters build, the rich spirit growing rounder and darker. Active wood drives the maturation, the cask deep in the malt.

At an approachable 43% it is soft and fruity. A rich orchard sweetness and dark sugar, lifted by a sweet oak. Dried fruit and a treacle sit behind the spice. A deep finish ends on dried fruit and a dark chocolate. This is a rich Speyside malt of dried fruit and nut.