Glenfarclas 16 Years Old 1977 Coilltean 25th Anniversary (Samaroli)

A Glenfarclas of a 16 year old chosen by Samaroli, distilled in 1977, at 46%, one of 696 bottles. Glenfarclas is a Speyside single malt from Ballindalloch, in the heart of Speyside. 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 six stills are the largest in Speyside and among the very few still fired directly, now by gas.

The spirit was distilled in copper pot stills, for the rich, sherried make Glenfarclas is known for. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a soft honey over the fruit. Into oxidative maturity, slow air builds ripe esters and a darker chocolate, fig and date depth. 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. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate.

At 46% it is rich, fruity and deep. Fig, walnut and a bittersweet chocolate, lifted by a sweet oak. Dried fruit and a treacle sit behind the spice. The finish is long, rich and spiced. This is a Speyside single malt of real standing.