Family Casks

In 1865, the Grant family took over the Glenfarclas distillery which was officially established in 1836, although there are illustrations of a distillery in the same location in 1791. As the current Managing Director, John Grant explains, “My late father, George S. Grant, predicted in the 1960s that we should perhaps lay down more casks for our own use - to be bottled as Glenfarclas Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky. The result is that today we have casks from every year since 1952. This selection of fine malts from so many consistent years is totally unique”.

In 2007, a cask from every year from 1952 to 1994 was bottled at cask strength and natural colour in clear flint bottles so that the colour variation can be fully appreciated. Demand has been strong and several years are now on their second casks. Full tasting notes on each year are available but the following extracts from the introduction to the first release will give a savour of the surprises in store from such old whisky:

The 1950s. Exposed for half a century to the full thirst of the angels who have only left behind a third to share, the 1950s casks selected are surprising because there is little evidence of oak or heavy tannins. Instead you will find fresh fruit and vines, with a crisp style. Despite their age, these whiskies are very much alive.

The 1960s casks shout with big sherry flavours, synonymous with Glenfarclas. These whiskies are rich and heavy - very bold and brash - with lots of sherry sweetness and a beautiful, lingering chocolate finish. They are very heavy whiskies to be pondered over rather than rushed.

The 1970s are a warning not to taste purely on what you see! Take Cask 61 from 1977 for example. It is very light on the eye, but has a honey sweetness on the nose which one would normally only expect from a much darker dram. Explore the casks from the 1970s for their balance of whisky and sherry, fruit, chocolate and toffee apples.