Nose A whiff of salted almonds is overtaken by sherry – somewhere between Manzanilla and Fino – surprising, since this was matured solely in Oloroso. With warmth applied, the caramel-rich Oloroso starts to come through, with a hint of Brazil nut shell.
Palate Starts off big with just a smidge of sweetness before the savoury Fino takes over. An almost saline note creeps through before moving into blue agave tequila, with a hint of lime zest bitterness.
Finish Dries out, with freshly-shaved oak, Christmas spices, and a touch of pine. Very moreish.
Overall A seriously grown-up whisky, miles away from a standard Glenfarclas - further even than the refill Bourbon matured Family Casks. Glenfarclas, usually an after-dinner treat, is firmly in the aperitif camp here. Superb with smoked almonds or sharp cheeses.