Sherry Bomb Sundays – Glenfarclas Distillery

Sherry Bomb Sundays – Glenfarclas Distillery, 25 y/o

IT’S CHRISTMAS! Okay, so technically it is Boxing Day – but that means left-over roast dinners, comfy PJs, and fabulous whiskies! We’re coming to the end of our ‘Sherry Bomb Sundays‘ series, and what better way to finish it off than with a classic sherry bomb – the Glenfarclas 25 y/o.

When we were planning out this series, we knew instinctively that a Glenfarclas had to make the list. The only question was which. There is a lot of debate about whether the 15 y/o or 21 y/o are ‘better expressions’ especially when we’re talking about bang for your buck. However, if you can’t splash out at Christmas, then when can you?

Glenfarclas Distillery

Since 1865 Glenfarclas Distillery has been owned and managed by six generations of the Grant Family. They are committed to making quality Highland single malt whisky, with the traditions of Speyside.

Boasting an extensive aged-core range, all the way from 10 y/o through to 40 y/o although the distillery does not limit itself to these expressions. Releasing the occasional limited expression for special occasions, alongside their Family Casks range.

Glenfarclas whisky holds a dear place in our hearts as one of the first whiskies that we could both truly agree on enjoying! With the Glenfarclas 15 y/o being one of the first bottles of whiskies that we purchased as a couple after tasting it at Soho Whisky Club.

Glenfarclas, Highland Single Malt, 25 y/o – 43% ABV

Matured in 100% Oloroso sherry casks, this whisky has spent (you guessed it!) 25 years in those casks. Much is made of the specific Oloroso sherry casks with the Glenfarlcas website stating “John Grant personally travels to to one particular family run Bodega in Spain to select only the finest European oak casks”.

We first tried this whisky as part of the ‘Roaring Twenties‘ evening with The Spirit Specialist, and have been waiting for the right opportunity to pop the bottle ever since!

“Natural colour, complex yet refined, marmalade, honey, freshly ground coffee, full bodied – a beautiful dark chocolate taste at the back of your mouth. Intense.”

Nose: dried red fruits, menthol/peppermint, almost like velvet, smooth, malty biscuits, hints of ginger spice, cherry, baking spices
Palate: complex and well balanced, ginger bread spice, red fruits, milk chocolate, pecans, stem ginger, malt loaf, dried cherries
Finish: buttery like shortbread, texturally coats your whole mouth, fruit and nut milk chocolate – long finish

Final Thoughts …

You just can’t go wrong with a Glenfarclas. For us, this is Christmas in a glass. A true sherry bomb, stuffed with Christmas spices, dried red fruits, and nutty undertones. A thick and creamy nose is measured with a velvety palate and warm lasting finish. This is absolutely a show whisky; a classic that always deserves a place on the shelf.

We’ve really enjoyed sharing our favourite sherry bombs with you. We love the flavours that a good sherry cask imparts on new make spirit. For us, it will always be a classic combination! Perfect for those colder, darker, winter evenings.

We hope you have enjoyed this series as much as we have tasting and writing about them. We’re working on a few new series for 2022, so keep your eyes open! Wishing you a very merry Christmas, and the best for the New Year!

The Dram Duo (Mike & Rach!) xx