Style: Sherry and Dignified oak
Nose:
Starts with tobacco skin and dark cherry, the aroma carries a nice weight. Massive dark-red fruits expanding quickly, prunes, a wee bit of plum wine, black liquorice contributes some sweet earthiness, followed by a more elusive copper and meaty tone. Firm malt cake sitting deep at the core.
Palate:
Now there is more emphasis on tobacco leaves and dark cherries on the palate. More delicious red fruits, dark liquorice slightly on the herbal edge while still giving a steady, earthy vibe. Blood orange liquor, gold kiwifruit and a spoon of cough syrup. The bitter note is very positive here (very rarely so), dignified oak is honed and enhanced by dark sherry, tannins and the ashy notes. A bittersweet cigar tail to finish.
Finish:
Coffee grounds, more cigars sinking lower, while fig jam surfaces. Malt humming till the end.
Thoughts:
I remember not liking it at all when I first tried this 2 years ago – thought it was too bitter but not sherried enough. But tonight, when I revisit this, I see this Glenfarclas 40 in a new light. Vintage Oloroso signature which is satisfyingly deep and rich, the bitterness is beautifully polished and garnished to contribute in a meaningful way. Not often you can appreciate the role bitterness played in whisky and this is one of the rare occasions. Brilliant dram.
☆☆ [Highly Recommended]
[46% • Original Bottling • 2010 Bottled • General Release • Non Chill Filtered • **]
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