Glenfarclas whiskey: history, overview of types + interesting facts

Glenfarclas - Scotch whisky owned by a family business. The production technology has not changed for 2 centuries, and the yeast recipe is kept in the strictest confidence. The distillate continues to be heated with a burner in the old fashioned way so as not to lose its flavor and strength. However, the equipment is constantly being improved and updated.

Features of Glenfarclas whiskey

1. The whiskey is produced using the purest meltwater in Scotland and distilled using a centuries-old method. It was invented by John Grant in the XIX century. The drink is aged for at least ten years in sherry barrels, which gives it a flavor woven from oak, nuts and vanilla.

2. Local barley varieties of the highest quality are used to make the drink, and the malt is pre-dried on peat fuel, which affects the taste. After this procedure, the whiskey loses excessive bitterness.

3. Six copper cubes are used in the production process. They undergo a process of double distillation of spirits on an open fire.

The history of Glenfarclas whisky

1790: Robert Hay founded the Glenfarclas distillery right on his farm in Speyside, Scotland.

1844: The owner received a production license.

1865: When Hay died, his neighbor John Grant bought the distillery for £512. It has been in the hands of his family ever since.

1895: The distillery became part of the Glenfarclas-Glenlivet Distillery Co.

1968: The company became a pioneer of barrel bottling, having released single malt whiskey. Fino and Oloroso sherry is stored in whiskey barrels, they are made of European oak.

1973: The distillery was among the first to open its doors to visitors.

2007: The release of the "The family casks" collection took place. This is a series of vintage whiskeys that have been aged for five decades.

2020: Production is export-oriented, so it expands. Now sells more than 700,000 bottles a year and at very high prices.

Types of Glenfarclas whiskey

The product line is extremely wide, with limited editions released periodically. The age varies from 10 to 40 years and even more.

1. Glenfarclas, 10 years old, 40%

   Gold. The velvety taste reveals chocolate and fruit, complemented by sweet nuances of malt. Smells like dried fruit, smoky malt with spicy notes. In the glass, it shows vanilla and honey hues. The aftertaste is peculiar, bitter. Drinks pleasantly. Considered a classic of the brand.

2. Glenfarclas, 12 years old, 43%

   Amber. The taste is rich, fruity with smoky notes. Unobtrusive sweetish aroma with oak, fruit and sherry hints. You can feel the malt in it. The finish is very long with spice and sherry sourness.

3. Glenfarclas, 15 years old, 46%

   The whiskey has a rich amber-golden color with sweet, oily and oak aromas complemented by delicate hints of peat. Finish with rich flavors of sweet cherries and dried fruits, slightly smoky and refined.

4. Glenfarclas, 21 years old, 43%

   Rich amber color. Tart, oaky flavor with a mix of green apples and walnuts. Sweet. It smells of cherries, chocolate, sherry and dried fruits. The finish is long, consisting of dried fruits and oak.

5. Glenfarclas 105, 60%

   Dark amber in color. Sharp, dried fruits and oak tones are clearly felt. The aroma is woven from apples and chocolate. The aftertaste is chocolate, warming.

Awards

1. In 2006, the company was named "Distiller of the Year" by Whisky Magazine.

2. In 2011, the 40-year-old whisky was named Single Malt Scotch of the Year at the Annual Malt Advocate Whisky Awards.

3. In 2012, the drink took gold at the British International Wine competition & Spirit Competition.

Interesting facts

1. The company exports all over the world, but most of it goes to the German market. Up to five limited collections are delivered to Germany annually.

2. The volume of production per year is 3.5 million liters.

3. The company owns 34 warehouses where alcohol has been stored since 1953. No company has any older spirits. This is the secret of selling scotch aged 40-60 years.

4. The whiskey tastes soft. This is achieved through the recycling process. In tall cubes, the lighter alcohols move upwards, while the heavier ones go down. They condense at the bottom. The procedure is repeated several times.

5. Translated from the Scottish dialect, the name means "valley of green grass".

Update: 01.06.2020

Category: Whiskey and Bourbon