Glenfarclas New Make Spirit

Nose: Cereal, banana, with a hint of beer-like quality and delicate floral notes (faint rose and jonquil). Palate: Moderately sweet, malty, rich, and mouth-puckering at full proof, but without any off-putting sulfurous notes. It becomes sweeter, softer, and richer when diluted. Finish: Medium length, with cereal notes fading into malt. This spirit is not as sweet as some other new-make spirits from Scotland I've tried, and it possesses a slightly ale-like character. At full proof, it was a bit harsh, but reducing the proof brought out its softness. Like all barley spirits, it reminds me of genever, though it's not one I'd particularly care to drink neat. The aromatic qualities of this new-make spirit are unmistakably characteristic of Glenfarclas, appearing in every release, even the very aged ones. I evaluate new-make spirits based on their potential as a mixing component, which seems the most logical criterion. Rating: "Good" - 83/100 (3.5 stars)