Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Glenfarclas 12 Highland Single Malt Scotch

Hello Single Malters, Today I am reviewing Glenfarclas 12. It is in my Top shelf am and amazed beyond words how good it is. I intend to share the following information in today's blog-

1. Brief history about this whisky/distillery
2. SJ's tasting notes
3. SJ's rating
4. Food pairings
5. SJ's pro tip

I am delighted with Glenfarclas 12 because at the price of $45 it is a hidden gem. It felt like I was sipping a 20 year old not a 12 year old. What is the secret behind this? How does the distillery maintain such high quality at a reasonable price? I am curious to find out.  I believe they achieve by choosing to remain a niche and not advertise a lot. They focus instead on a dedicated team whose sole job is to maintain that quality of whisky that has been passed down by generations.  

Glenfarclas Distillery was in Established 1835. It's website states "Since 1865, it has been owned and managed by only one family, the Grants of Glenfarclas." A time honored tradition!. The unique flavor I believe comes from -
1. Spring water from "Valley of Green Grassland" 
2. Distilled twice in traditional direct fire stills(Anything distilled twice would taste twice as good) 
3. Spanish sherry casks- This must be the main factor for such delicious liquor. John Grant personally travels to one particular family run Bogeda (Celler) in Spain to select only the finest European Oak casks previously used for the maturation of fine Olorosso Sherry. 
They have even thought of pairing it with smoked salmon or Iberico(Spanish) Ham to get the most flavor out of the whisky. This is very impressive because I have not seen single malts recommending any food pairings. 

Vital Stats- Glenfarclas 12 Highland Single Malt Scotch 
Price- $44.49
Age- 12 years
ABV- 43%
Region- Highland
Distillery/Company- Glenfarclas Distillery, Speyside, Scotland
Awards won-  2015, Silver-International wine and spirits competition among others. 

Tasting info-
Appearance- Medium Gold


Aroma- Fruity, nutty, cocoa, tangerine, sherry
Flavor- WOW! Sherried goodness with nutty, cocoa amazing flavor. Mostly dark cocoa, very flavorful
Body- Full 
Finish- Smooth, warm, long and lingering
SJ's Rating- Top Shelf 
It is a unicorn, hits the palette right away. The flavor, aroma and appearance is amazing and all in that low price is mind blowing. Drink up! It's a no brainer. 
Food- Goat Biriyani, chicken Manchurian. Not a pairing, I had something hearty since this is a higher 
ABV whisky. 


Occasions- Celebrating something special like anniversaries without breaking the budged
SJ's Pro tip- If you don't like sweeter cocoa flavor this is not for you. 

This is the joy of reviewing one bottle at a time, sometimes I get to taste the best and today was one lucky day. This one you really need to try, Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly!
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