Glenfarclas 40 Year

Nose: A profound, aged oloroso sherry aroma, with nutty oak and deep cocoa notes leading the initial scent. Following this, dark fruits (figs, dates, plums), raisins, pineapple chunks, and oranges appear, warmed in a syrup of resinous honey, brown sugar, and sweet malt extract. Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and buttery vanilla spice it, arriving in waves. A rich, dusky floral scent emerges later, along with a hint of leathery smoke and black coffee in the empty glass. Palate: A fantastic entry, beginning creamy and smooth, featuring sweet honey, sugars, mint, and baking spices (allspice, caraway) with a touch of white pepper. Oak and dark chocolate quickly follow, alongside figs and roasted nuts, as the palate briefly becomes tannic and dry. This is then succeeded by a surge of sweeter flavors, including citrus, ginger, cherries, raspberries, and a return of the oloroso sherry. The fruit notes are not like the heavy stewed fruits found in the 25 or 30 year old versions, but rather a blend of dark dried and fresh fruits – akin to a fruit platter of oranges, dark cherries, and dried muscatel grapes. The texture is oily yet drying, possessing a rancio quality and a whisper of walnut oil. Finish: Medium to long. Dark fruits and sherry dissipate into a lingering taste of sweet, spicy ginger, white pepper, oaky tannins, and espresso. A magnificent old malt that perfectly embodies the Glenfarclas character, from its rich mahogany color (unaltered by artificial coloring) to its lasting sweet and dry oaky finish. This was selected for a significant review anniversary as it's a celebrated malt previously untasted but widely available at a very accessible price. The spirit was sampled as the conclusion to a series of Glenfarclas expressions, including the 10, 12, 17, 25, and 40 year olds. This tasting was shared with two friends who visited for an afternoon of games and spirits a few weekends prior. The only criticism we all shared regarding the 40 year old was that the finish felt a little brief. However, this observation only arose because it was tasted immediately after the 25 year old, which has an exceptionally long finish. When compared to most other spirits, the finish of this 40 year old would still be considered quite good. All Glenfarclas whiskies benefit from time in the glass to fully reveal their character, and this is especially true for this majestic old malt. The drams were poured and covered, and as this whisky was tasted at the end of the lineup, it had approximately an hour or more to settle. Even so, when it was time to taste, the whisky was only just beginning to open up. The weather was cold and rainy (it's currently winter in Australia), so we held the glasses in our hands to gently warm them while seated at the dining table, discussing all things whisky and occasionally pausing to listen to the rain in comfortable silence as we examined our drams. After about 20 minutes, we noticed the spirit starting to express itself, and then we spent another half hour analyzing and discussing the whisky's qualities, enjoying its warming sensation. A stately, sophisticated, and distinguished whisky that was a particular pleasure to sample, the enjoyment derived from it being surpassed only by the camaraderie of my esteemed friends in whose company I was honored to experience it. "Excellent": 89/100 (4.75 stars)

The aroma is gentle, delicate yet somewhat full with smooth orchard fruits at the forefront, complemented by sharp red fruits and surprisingly mellow oak after 40 years in the barrel, with a faint pipe tobacco smoke appearing eventually that all harmonizes seamlessly with minimal alcohol sting. The mouthfeel is moderate, beginning with smooth tropical fruits before a gentle peppery spice that gradually subsides into espresso and dark chocolate-covered figs, followed by slightly tart yet sweet fruits like lychee, balsamic strawberries, and pears, transitioning to light pipe tobacco smoke and aged, leather-bound books with little alcohol burn. The finish is of moderate duration, commencing with a blend of smooth tropical fruits and mildly tart red berries, before mild baking spices, sweet pipe tobacco, and polished antique furniture. Glenfarclas 40 year is a masterfully crafted aged single malt that has matured beautifully over the years, refining the flavors into a melodic combination of creamy citrus, light chocolate, red berries, subtle spices, and old oak that was exceptionally well-controlled, as those casks could have easily overwhelmed the other notes like overly steeped black tea. When compared side-by-side with the Glenfarclas 25 year, the 40 year exhibits more refinement and elegance, while the 25 has a slightly more astringent quality, but they are quite similar. At a price exceeding $1k, it is an expensive bottle, likely intended for celebrating a 40th birthday milestone or experiencing a 40-year-old single malt. Fortunately, @ShatteredArm was incredibly kind to share a sample for me to explore and thoroughly enjoy.

This review is actually of the Glenfarclas 40 Warehouse Edition which is bottled at 43% Nose - Raisins, prunes, candied oranges, vanilla custard, candied fresh strawberries, white chocolate Taste - Raisins, prunes, cherries, caramelized oranges, hint of black tea, toasted coconut, light milk chocolate Finish - Caramelized orange custard, strawberries, milk chocolate, light orange pith bitterness, grape skin tannic Score - 94/100 Final Thoughts - So this is a well-balanced fruity dessert in a glass. This is just well-aged sherried Scotch. Extremely fragrant nose that you can smell from across the room and the same hits your palate. Loads of raisins/prunes with this orange custard vibe and this bitterness that I now feel is more of a dark chocolate or espresso bite than orange pith or grape skin tannins. This is very nicely balanced and punches way above its proof. This feels like it'd be best enjoyed on a summer's night next to a lake or a campfire or while relaxing in a comfy chair during the winter. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - If it wasn't so expensive, yes NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

Glenfarclas 40 year old at 43% ABV. I found it amusing to consider $900 inexpensive for a bottle of 40-year-old single malt scotch, given that $900 is not trivial, but you seldom encounter a 40-year-old scotch at this price point either. So, how much of a bargain is this? Let's find out. Nose: aromatic but light, with dry fruits such as sultanas and raisins, a delicate grassy note, and surprisingly creamy character. The sherry influence is subdued and balanced after four decades in the cask, not overly oaky at all considering its age. Palate: light honeysuckle, dried wood spice upfront. Dark chocolate, nutmeg, and nuts, then slowly faded with hints of oak bitterness. Finish: long, warm, and dry, with lingering oak and rich chocolate. This is simply outstanding and among the very best I have ever tasted, unequivocally. It is stunningly balanced yet complex, possessing Glenfarclas' characteristic mellow, well-aged, and classic old spirit quality. For the price, this is an obvious choice. A major corporation would charge an exorbitant amount for it, but because Glenfarclas is a family-owned small business, it costs only $900. If you ever come across this bottle at a reasonable price, do not hesitate! It's that exceptional!

I bought this to mark my 40th, and eventually opened it. I was unsure what to anticipate given I'd never had a single malt this aged. The nose has hints of honey, dark tea, and some cooked fruit akin to apple or pear. The taste begins sweet, with a moderate body and the sherry cask's influence. Dark chocolate, a touch of crème, and a little spice. It brings mousse to mind. The finish is lengthy with some dry wood notes emerging. This was a pleasant indulgence, and it possessed some tastes I haven't encountered in less mature whiskeys, though I wouldn't claim it's definitively superior to a whiskey in its 20s.

A fantastic example of traditional Sherry influence. Nose: Rum soaked raisins, dried figs, cherries, dates, caramel, toffee, honey, crisp apples, milk chocolate, licorice, more honey, strawberries, tart grapefruits, ripe mangoes, almond cookies, sweet peaches, chocolate chip cookies, oranges, floral lavender, bananas, crème brûlée, cookie dough. Palate: Rum soaked raisins, bold coffee, rich toffee, sweet blood oranges, milk chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, warm cinnamon, spicy nutmeg, bright grapefruits, honey, creamy cashews, almonds, baking spices, pungent cloves, licorice. Finish: Sugary toffee, plump raisins, citrusy oranges, black pepper, toasted walnuts, warm nutmeg, crisp red apples, cinnamon, dates, figs, tart raspberries, sweet plums.