Master of Malt 50 yr Speyside

I decided to write a short review about this whisky, as a pour of it was sent to me by an old companion about 3 years ago. I was saving this sample for the right moment, specifically my 50th birthday. Well, my friends, yesterday was that day. I've officially become an old man. Woohoo! Anyway, this came from an unknown source and was bottled by London's Master of Malts whisky shop. A gentleman purchased this on one of his work trips and kindly shared a pour with me once he decided to open this interesting bottle. It's a single malt that is believed to be from Glenfarclas. One taste, and you can almost confirm that. It had a deep, rich burgundy color in the glass and didn't seem watery despite being only 40% ABV. I suspect little to no water was added to extend the supply because 50 years in the cask surely results in significant evaporation (angel's share). The aroma was dominated by wood, as expected, but after adding a drop of water, Sherry notes emerged along with cherry juice and lightly toasted walnuts. The palate was surprisingly intense for 40% ABV, and again, the wood completely overwhelmed the flavor profile. After a good 35-minute rest and those precious drops of water, I still detected wood barrel and just a hint of hot sweetness. The water significantly improved the finish, transforming it from a tongue-scorcher with a side of wood splinters to something more pleasant. Overall, this is definitely too much time in wood for a straightforward whisky like Glenfarclas. Their malts usually stand out more at higher ABVs for me, so this one doesn't perform as hoped, nor is it close to being good value for money. However, you have to appreciate it for the primary reason it was bottled—being 50 years old. It's a bucket-list, age-statement dram. I gave it a high score mostly for that reason—it's all about the experience, and thankfully, I have a good friend like the gentleman who sent it who was willing to share it with me. Thanks again, sir. Cheers, everyone!

I finally opened the bottle I acquired more than six years ago on a work trip to the UK. It's quite rare to have the opportunity to taste something this aged. We treated it with respect, as one should, given its scarcity. Back then, I paid just under $450. That seems like a steal for a single malt from Speyside. Inflation must be extreme for current whiskey prices. Today, I'd estimate its value at an easy $1000. So, I'll guess this is Glenfarclas. It has a darker, sherry-influenced color (it's NCF and has no added color), with flavors of berries and dark fruits. The palate doesn't quite match the nose, but the finish is warm and lingers. It seems light for a 50-year-old; I wouldn't have guessed its age, as it seems younger. It's good, genuinely good, but it falls short of what I anticipated. I expected a more reserved elegance, but it comes across as a smooth youngster.

Revisited: needs to mellow a bit and gain some air exposure... then its refinement truly emerges