Glenfarclas Christmas Edition 2010 / 2022 | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenfarclas Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled in December 2010, matured in Oloroso sherry casks, and bottled in 2022. The whisky is 12 years old.
Age Statement: 12 years.
ABV: 46%, unchill-filtered and uncolored.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the natural presentation is implied by the lack of coloring.
Bottle Design: Features a special label with a shiny, reflective green Christmas tree, indicating its festive edition. The bottle is part of a limited edition of 5400 bottles.

Balance of Flavors: Described as very complex, with a balance between fruitiness, spiciness, and oakiness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its Christmas cake and dark fruit notes, along with spices, herbs, and a peppery sharpness. The aftertaste is long, warming, and includes licorice and aromatic oak.
Comparison: Stronger, more intense, and more oaky than the typical 12-year-old Glenfarclas, with a significant sherry influence.

Anecdotes: The Christmas Edition has a tradition with the German importer of Glenfarclas, with some bottles historically distilled on December 24th. However, due to limited cask availability, this tradition has evolved.
Production Insights: The distillation in December is highlighted as beneficial for quality in former times due to cooler temperatures improving the distillation process.

Historical Context: The Christmas Edition is a special release for the German market, reflecting a unique tradition between Glenfarclas and its German importer. The winter distillation and festive packaging tie into the cultural significance of the season.

Opinions: Horst Luening, the senior taster, praises the whisky for its complexity, intensity, and the excellent quality of its cask influence, describing it as an "outstanding Glenfarclas."
Quotes: "Back a Christmas cake. Spices. Fruity, dark fruity. Very, very complex on the nose."

A 12-year-old Glenfarclas Christmas Edition, distilled in December 2010 and bottled in 2022.
Matured in Oloroso sherry casks, unchill-filtered, and uncolored, with an ABV of 46%.
Features a festive bottle design with a limited edition of 5400 bottles.
Flavor profile includes Christmas cake, dark fruits, spices, herbs, and a peppery note, with a long, warming aftertaste of licorice and oak.
More intense and oaky compared to the typical 12-year-old Glenfarclas.
Part of a special tradition for the German market, with historical significance tied to winter distillation.

For Collectors: The limited edition and unique festive labeling make it a desirable addition to collections.
For Enthusiasts: Those with a preference for complex, sherry-matured whiskies will appreciate its depth and intensity.
For Festive Occasions: Ideal for whisky lovers looking to celebrate the holiday season with a thematic and flavorful dram.