Glenfarclas The Family Casks 26 Years Old 1995

Glenfarclas from the distillery, a 26 year old, from 1995, cask 6765, at 57.7%, 492 bottles in all. Glenfarclas is a Speyside single malt from Ballindalloch, in the heart of Speyside. Its whiskies are bottled at their natural colour, without chill filtration. Its water rises from the granite of Ben Rinnes, above the distillery at Ballindalloch. Direct firing chars the wash a little, lending the rich, nutty depth Glenfarclas is known for.

It was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, building a deep malt of dried fruit and dark sugar. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the full character to the fore. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer raisin and treacle. Years in oak deepen the spirit to a darker gold, the body growing rounder and more resinous with time. The cool, slow dunnage ageing loses little to evaporation, the spirit holding its depth.

At 57.7%, undiluted, it is dark and full. Baked apple, honey and a dark chocolate, lifted by a sweet oak. Dried fruit and a treacle sit behind the spice. The finish runs long, full and warming. This is a Speyside single malt of real standing.