Glenfarclas Christmas Edition Port Pipes Selection 28 Years Old 1980

This official Glenfarclas, a 28 year old, from 1980, cask 11070 + 11071, at 50%, 903 bottles in all. Glenfarclas is a Speyside single malt, the house behind the pioneering 105 cask strength. 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.

The spirit was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, the direct fired stills lending a nutty depth. A Port cask held it, drawing the rich spirit on over the years. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer raisin and treacle. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. The wood frames the spirit without ever stripping the full Speyside body. The cool, slow dunnage ageing loses little to evaporation, the spirit holding its depth.

Bottled at a cask strength 50%, it is deep and concentrated. Fig, walnut and a bittersweet chocolate, with red berry, plum and a dry spice from the cask. Beneath it run dried fruit, dark sugar and a warm spice. The finish is long, rich and spiced. This is a Speyside single malt of real standing.