Glenfarclas 21 Year Old Scotch – Review

Glenfarclas Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 21 Years

86 Proof

Price Point: $95 – $105 for 750 ML

Distiller: Glenfarclas Distillery

Background

For those keeping score, I have reviewed Glenfarlcas 12 Year Old and 17 Year Old.  I enjoyed both of these whiskies (and gave them decent ratings).  But could further aging make this whisky even better?  Might as well break out the big dog and review the 21 Year Old.

Review

Compared to the 12 Year Old and 17 Year Old, I’m not as impressed with the nose on this one.  It’s a bit harsher when you get up close.  Less oak and fruit, which is odd because typically a longer time in the barrel influences more of these aromas.

Well, the nose may not be up to par, but the taste of Glenfarclas 21 Year Old is absolutely an improvement.  This stuff tastes much more mature (as it should), with a little more peat than the younger expressions.  Relatively sweet and malty.  It clearly comes from the same family, but it could also easily be confused with a different distillery (in a good way).

The finish is a little more refined that the 12 and 17 Year Old – not quite as hot in the mouth.

Rating & Recommendations

Sometimes age really does improve whisky (but not always!).  Glenfarclas 21 Year Old earns a rating of 88 out of 100 from me.

Because of the quality of this whisky, drink it neat.  Why shell out $100 if you’re just going to water it down?

Glenfarclas 21 Year Old is a great Scotch and certainly worthy of a high rating.  If you can swing the money for this one, definitely give it a try.

-Ryan