Glenfarclas The Family Casks 27 Years Old 1993

A distillery release of Glenfarclas, a 27 year old, from 1993, cask 4677, at 57.2%, 518 bottles in all. Glenfarclas is a Speyside single malt matured almost wholly in sherry casks from Jerez. 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. It draws on that deep inventory for the Family Casks, single vintages reaching back to the 1950s. Direct firing chars the wash a little, lending the rich, nutty depth Glenfarclas is known for.

The spirit was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, building a deep malt of dried fruit and dark sugar. 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 wood frames the spirit without ever stripping the full Speyside body.

Bottled at a cask strength 57.2%, it is deep and concentrated. A rich orchard sweetness and dark sugar, lifted by a sweet oak. Fig, honey and a dark chocolate fill the middle. The close is rich and dark, fruit over a warm spice. This is Glenfarclas's deep, fruity Speyside style.