Glenfarclas 1995 Oloroso Sherry Casks (Bottled 2018)

Score: 20/23 Wow! Entry number 2300 in my records! I chose to uncork a 23-year-old pour for this occasion. It turned out this was the sole 23-year-old I possessed that wasn't reserved for another purpose. I had also been eager to open this one for some time, so this alignment is quite convenient. Aroma: Fruity, rich, oily, creamy, nutty, and malty. It exhibits excellent oloroso characteristics. Definitely citrus notes are present, along with subtle hints of grain. Very accessible, yet also luxurious and full of character. It presents as younger than 23 years, but is quite pleasing. Palate: Sweetness leads with a surprising spicy kick upfront. Nectar-like sweetness combines light malt with tangerine, apricot, lemon, mild nuttiness, refined oak, a touch of creaminess, and other grain notes. There's also a slight waxiness present. Finish: That nectar sweetness endures with light grain. - Final Thoughts - This is a very well-made spirit. I'm highly impressed by its masterful cask utilization. The oloroso is prominent, enhancing its character while complementing the Glenfarclas malt, which has been significantly softened by age. A superb offering, undoubtedly. My selection for this milestone has not led to disappointment. Comparing to Gordon & MacPhail's Longmorn 13 (2005) (17/23): It possesses a sweeter richness, though not greater fullness. I had anticipated it being creamier, but it's not particularly so. It definitely has more buckwheat maltiness, yet it lacks the harmony and sophistication of this pour. Each has heat in its own manner, but the heat here feels more like genuine spices, revealing true complexity. This is unequivocally superior to the Longmorn. I could be persuaded to give this an 18, but I believe it's at least a 19. It's certainly not a 22, and a 21 seems improbable. Comparing to Lismore 21 (19/23): It is mellower with more woody earthiness. What stands out most is that the Lismore isn't substantially more complex than this, but it has a hint of sulfur that I dislike, while this one does not. This appears to be the clear victor. I'm now leaning towards a 20. Comparing to Glenfarlas 1990 (28 years) Sherry Hogsheads Cask Strength (16/23 (Really? That seems low)): It has a more pronounced alcohol bite than this spirit, but it offers less rich sweetness. Being higher proof, the alcohol presence is expected and entirely acceptable. I detect ample wood influence, but fewer fruit and other intriguing flavors. I suspect it was matured in casks that had seen more use than those that aged this one. While I appreciate the subtle nuances the casks impart to the 1990 Farclas, I prefer the decadent and complex profile of this pour, where the unique malt intertwines with the oloroso. Now, to contrast this with the formidable Glenfarclas 25 (23/23). Glenfarclas 25 is richer and fuller, featuring decadent baking spices, dried fruits, and some vibrant ripe fruits, alongside nutty notes and hints of wood. It is also smoother. This pour simply does not reach that standard. It echoes the inspirations of the 25, but it falls short of its level. Despite my enjoyment of this spirit, I don't believe it approaches the quality of Glenfarclas 25 as closely as it does Lismore 21. Therefore, I must settle on a 20. Which is an excellent score! This is a superb dram, but it does not share the same profile as Glenfarclas 25, nor does it reach that caliber.

A very enjoyable, rich, and smooth whiskey