Glenfarclas 17 Year Old

Description

Glenfarclas 17 Year Old Bottling Note

Glenfarclas 17 Year Old is a single malt Scotch whisky produced by the Glenfarclas Distillery, located in Ballindalloch, Speyside, Scotland. Established in 1836 and owned by the Grant family since 1865, Glenfarclas is one of the few remaining family-run distilleries in Scotland. The 17 Year Old expression reflects the distillery’s commitment to traditional methods and long-term maturation.

This whisky is matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, a hallmark of Glenfarclas’s house style. The distillery uses direct-fired stills—an increasingly rare technique in modern Scotch production—which contributes to the whisky’s rich and full-bodied character. The water used in production is sourced from the pure springs of the nearby Ben Rinnes mountain, adding to the regional authenticity of this Speyside malt.

Bottled at 43% ABV, Glenfarclas 17 Year Old is non-chill filtered, allowing the whisky to retain its natural oils and depth. The extended 17-year maturation in sherry-seasoned oak casks imparts a complex structure, with layers of richness and a long, warming finish. Its deep amber hue and sherry-forward profile make it a distinctive choice for those who appreciate traditional Speyside whiskies with a pronounced cask influence.

This expression sits between the more youthful 12 and 15 Year Old bottlings and the older 21 and 25 Year Olds in the Glenfarclas core range, offering a well-balanced midpoint that showcases both maturity and vibrancy. Glenfarclas 17 Year Old is an excellent representation of the distillery’s legacy and its dedication to producing robust, sherried single malts.

Glenfarclas 17 Year Old Tasting Note

Nose: Medium intensity. Rich, baked orchard fruits like apple and pear lead, layered with a comforting warmth of cinnamon and gingerbread. Underlying notes of damp earth and a subtle, dark sherry influence emerge after a few minutes, balanced by a hint of malt sweetness.

Palate: The texture is medium-bodied and slightly oily. It starts with an initial burst of sherry sweetness and dark caramel. This transitions quickly to a pleasant spiciness—think black pepper and clove—with dried fruit like raisins and figs coming through. A gentle, nutty oak backbone provides structure without being overwhelming.

Finish: Medium to long in length. The finish is warming and dry, dominated by the lingering spice and a controlled tannic dryness from the oak. The sherry sweetness fades slowly, leaving behind a subtle echo of dark chocolate and coffee bean.

Overall: A well-composed and traditional Speyside malt that expertly balances the distillery’s signature sherry influence with age and spice. It is robust yet refined, offering depth without the intensity of a younger, heavier sherry bomb. A classic, reliable dram for a contemplative evening.