Glenfarclas 12 Year

Review #044 Type: single malt scotch Alcohol content: 43% Comments: aged 12 years, matured in European oak Oloroso sherry casks Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): A russet color. When swirled, a thick line adheres to the glass, and the legs form at a moderate pace. Nose: 16/20 Apples, syrupy raisins, caramel, and warm banana bread. Palate: 28/40 Simple but pleasant. Primarily oak spices and tannins, with subtle hints of salted dark chocolates, lemon zest, and dinner rolls. Finish: 30/40 Vanilla and butterscotch, with a brief moment of chocolate-covered cherries and perhaps a hint of coconut, concluding with an earthy and salty note. Many good sweet flavors without being overly sweet. The finish is moderately short and uncomplicated, but also lacks any noticeable alcohol burn. With Water: Short tasting session and was cut short by the start of our descent, so I wasn't able to try it. I'll evaluate and update the next time I get a free upgrade to first class! Total: 74/100 Final thoughts: Thank you United Airlines for a complimentary double pour at 32,000 feet somewhere between Burlington, VT, and Newark, NJ. I suppose all that work travel is finally paying off… I'm surprised by the minimal sherry influence given 12 years of Oloroso maturation. The oak influence is much more apparent. I suspect this might be a result of being diluted to 43% ABV and possibly the use of second and third-fill barrels. I think I would enjoy this much more at over 50% ABV. Price: complimentary with first class upgrade Would recommend: no Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Nose: A combination of sweet and sour. Baked green apples with syrup. Palate: Less fruity than the aroma suggested. Dry woody notes. The sherry cask maturation is noticeable but not overpowering. More sweet notes emerge, like toffee and melted butter. Finish: Medium to long. Tangerine zest but with the pith. Some bitter notes become prominent in the finish. Conclusion: An interesting mix of flavors. The bitterness might be off-putting to some, but it also adds depth. It's certainly good value for the money.

The aroma is surprisingly strong with rustic apple, along with hints of sweet caramel. The initial taste is a little hot, but it evolves into baking spice and grainy notes, while retaining the aromatic promise. The medium-long finish gradually fades away calmly. It's an interesting and well-balanced drink, but doesn't make any particularly bold statements.

Typical Speyside scent, with rich fruity sweetness and wood on the nose. The flavor is fruit-forward, featuring peach and grape, with a subtle spice underneath that becomes more noticeable towards the end. It's richer than anticipated and tastes somewhat standard, but on the higher end of standard. Not groundbreaking, but better than average.

Aroma: Rich and welcoming with scents of dried fruits, sherry sweetness, and a hint of malt. Taste: Smooth and balanced, showing flavors of rich fruitcake, warm honey, and a touch of cinnamon spice. Finish: Long and warming, with lasting sherry notes and a gentle hint of oak.

Appearance: Pale gold. Aroma: Banana, raisin, spice, ginger, pear, apple candy, honey. Taste: Spicy, slightly slick, like banana bread, a bit drying, sweet, and fresh. Finish: Brief to moderate, with a touch of lemon. Bottled at 43%. Uncolored. No details on chill filtration.