Officially it’s an undisclosed distillery, of course, but when even the receipt says it’s a Glenfarclas, I tend to believe that. When this came out I was really into sherry casks and the darker the better, usually. When this came out with its dark brown, burnished leather colour, at 43 years old, and costing ‘only’ £ 125 I was sold. I just had to have this.

By the time it came in I had some explaining to do to the misses, but once I tasted it I never looked back.

Speyside’s Finest from 1966. Absolutely stunning.

Sniff:
Really rich sherry with a lot of oak. On the brink of being overpowered but still tasty. Some honey with dried fruits and allspice. Plums, maraschino cherry, leather, mint and caramel. Mother of God this is delicious!

Sip:
On the palate this is much more spicy than you’d expect after nosing it. Some chili peppers, but also the oak and leather notes are back. Sherry, nuts, dried plums. Very Karuizawa-y if that’s a thing. It does get a bit more gentle and starts showing chocolate and coffee notes.

Swallow:
The coffee theme continues on a more syrupy path. Kahlua and chocolate, on top of the sherry, plums, leather, oak and mint notes. It’s not the longest finish ever, but it is one of the most delicious.

After writing the tasting notes I had another glass, and another and I continued until the bottle was empty (it was almost empty when I started, though).

I guess this was one of the most delicious whiskies in my collection and together with a couple Karuizawas I had one of the best sherried whiskies that were ever in my possession. I regret not buying a case of this, but that’s easy in hindsight.

Anyway, if this pops up somewhere, get it!

Glenfarclas 43yo, 1966-2009, Speyside’s Finest for The Whisky Show, 48.2%, Old Malt Cask. Worth about £ 150 or so.