Glenfarclas The Family Casks 29 Years Old 1985

This official Glenfarclas, a 29 year old, from 1985, cask 2593, at 49%, 320 bottles in all. Glenfarclas is a Speyside single malt matured almost wholly in sherry casks from Jerez. It has been run by six generations of the Grant family, one of Scotch whisky's last truly independent houses. Its whiskies are bottled at their natural colour, without chill filtration.

It was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, for a weighty, nutty spirit the sherry then deepens. An Oloroso sherry 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. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate. 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.

At a natural 49% it is full and rich. A deep, dark sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. The mouthfeel is full and coating, the fruit dark and sweet. Dried fruit, spice and a soft oak see it out. This is Glenfarclas's deep, fruity Speyside style.