Glenfarclas The Family Casks 23 Years Old 1995 (Europe Exclusive)

A distillery release of Glenfarclas, a 23 year old, from 1995, cask 9, at 52.1%, 575 bottles in all. Glenfarclas is a Speyside single malt drawn from the largest, direct fired stills in Speyside. Direct firing chars the wash a little, lending the rich, nutty depth Glenfarclas is known for. It holds some sixty eight thousand casks on site in dunnage warehouses, with stock from every year since 1953.

It was drawn from a thick, heavy wash, for the rich, sherried make Glenfarclas is known for. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a soft honey over the fruit. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer raisin and treacle. The cool, slow dunnage ageing loses little to evaporation, the spirit holding its depth. The full spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out its darker register. Years in oak deepen the spirit to a darker gold, the body growing rounder and more resinous with time.

At its natural 52.1% it is rich and chewy. Raisin, chocolate and a warm spice, lifted by a sweet oak. Beneath it run dried fruit, dark sugar and a warm spice. Dried fruit, spice and a soft oak see it out. This is a rich Speyside malt of dried fruit and nut.