Glenfarclas 21 Year Old
Nose
At first sniff, a red fruit jelly unfolds on the nose - so intense and seductive that you can't help but think of grandma's Sunday cake. Dark chocolate joins in, not intrusively, but like a well-mannered guest who knows when to make an entrance.
The strawberry jam comes next, sweet and fruity, accompanied by a settled maturity that only whiskies that have spent two decades in Spanish sherry casks can develop. Slightly nutty marzipan notes flatter the bouquet, while delicate oak and cinnamon provide the necessary spice.
Taste
Strawberry syrup - as intense and pure as you would enjoy it on Italian ice cream - takes the lead. The oaky flavour follows promptly and provides structure, while citrus acidity and fruit give the palate a lively freshness.
Then comes the bread - a malty, warm note reminiscent of freshly baked wholemeal bread. Dark chocolate rounds off the flavour spectrum and provides the depth that only mature whiskies can develop. The creamy mouthfeel is the icing on the cake of this aromatic work of art.
Finish
This Glenfarclas finishes medium-long and dry - like a gentleman who knows when the time is right to leave. The oaky spice returns, accompanied by black pepper, cloves and walnut.
Thoughts
The Glenfarclas 21 year old is more than just a whisky - it is a witness to time, a liquid piece of history. Not outstanding, not bad, but simply set and intense as you would imagine a Scotch in a fireside lounge on a long winter's evening.
Rating: 82/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 81 | Sascha: 82)
Value for Money: 4/5 - Good
FAQ: The Most Common Questions
❓ Why is the Glenfarclas 21 year old no longer produced?
👉 The Glenfarclas 21 year old has been removed from the regular range, presumably due to stock management and strategic decisions by the distillery. Glenfarclas is now focussing on other age statements in its portfolio.
❓ Is Glenfarclas 21 Years a good investment?
👉 As it is no longer produced, prices are tending to rise. From a collector's point of view, it is certainly interesting, although the main focus should be on enjoyment. Speyside sherries of this quality are likely to increase in value.
❓ How does the 21-year-old differ from the Glenfarclas 15 and 25 years?
👉 The 21-year-old stands perfectly between his siblings: more mature and complex than the 15-year-old, but even fruitier and more accessible than the powerful 25-year-old. It combines the best of both worlds - youthful freshness with mature depth.