Glenfarclas 51119s0d Family Reserve

Glenfarclas £511.19s.0d Family Reserve Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: The whisky comes from Glenfarclas, a distillery with a rich history.
  • Type: Single malt Scotch whisky.
  • Distillation & Maturation Process: Specific details about the distillation and maturation process were not provided, but the whisky's flavor profile suggests a significant influence of sherry casks.
  • Age Statement: No age statement is provided, but the tasting notes and comparison with other Glenfarclas expressions suggest a blend of younger and older whiskies.
  • Color and Bottle Design: The whisky is described as having a rich golden amber color, akin to a shiny bronze sculpture. The bottle design specifics were not detailed, but the unique name and historical reference on the label are notable.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Balance of Flavors: The whisky is praised for its wonderful balance, with no single flavor overpowering the others.
  • Unique Characteristics: Notable for its overwhelming nose, sweet with heather honey, sherry, and toffee notes. The taste is balanced, featuring oakiness, nuttiness, and a milk chocolate influence.
  • Comparison: It's positioned between Glenfarclas's 21-year-old and 15-year-old expressions in terms of flavor profile, but not as mature or intense as the 1996 vintage.

Whisky Storytelling

  • Historical Transaction: The name £511.19s.0d references a significant historical transaction related to the distillery, adjusted for inflation and property value, highlighting the distillery's long-standing value and heritage.
  • Family Legacy: The whisky aims to resemble the quality produced when George S. Grant's great-great-great-grandfather bought the distillery on June 8, 1865, emphasizing the family's enduring legacy in whisky making.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Currency History: The label's unique naming convention (£511.19s.0d) serves as a nod to historical currency systems and the significant value of the distillery transaction, connecting the whisky to broader historical and cultural narratives.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • "The nose is overwhelming. It's so wonderful." - Highlighting the exceptional aroma of the whisky.
  • "It's a well balance between probably younger whiskies which show this impact on your tongue and this freshness and the old matured which bring this sherry and dark aroma." - On the whisky's balanced profile.
  • "It carries well a little bit a too high price tag" - Reflecting on the whisky's value proposition.

Summary

  • Glenfarclas £511.19s.0d Family Reserve is a no age statement single malt Scotch whisky with a rich golden amber color.
  • It boasts a balanced flavor profile with notes of sweet sherry, toffee, heather honey, oakiness, nuttiness, and milk chocolate.
  • The whisky's name and price reference a significant historical transaction, emphasizing the distillery's heritage.
  • Positioned flavor-wise between Glenfarclas's 21-year-old and 15-year-old expressions, but less mature than the 1996 vintage.
  • Despite its high quality, the whisky's price may not justify its value compared to other Glenfarclas offerings.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • Whisky Collectors: Given its unique story and connection to the distillery's history, collectors may find this expression particularly appealing.
  • Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a palate for balanced, sherry-influenced whiskies might enjoy the complex flavor profile.
  • Value-Conscious Buyers: May want to explore other Glenfarclas expressions that offer a better price-to-quality ratio.