Glenfarclas 2012/2024 The Trinity Vintage Series
Ah, Glenfarclas! The distillery from Speyside, Scotland, has once again conjured up a whisky that is as charming as a Scottish sheepdog in a kilt. The Glenfarclas 2012/2024 The Trinity Vintage Series is a no-age-statement marvel with 46% ABV that doesn't adhere to age limits. But let's dive into this liquid gold and find out why this whisky is a real ‘haymaker’.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Vanilla custard, apple and a pinch of dried apricot join the crumble cake as if they were having a party in a malty orchard. There's also a hint of hay - yes, hay! Not exactly what you'd expect in a whisky, but hey, who needs conventions? This aroma is so inviting that you almost forget to drink the whisky.
Palate
The first sip is like a sugary-sweet kiss from the orchard. Apricot and hay dance on the tongue, while the soft oak snuggles up to your taste buds like a good friend. The texture is creamy and oily, as if the whisky had decided to bathe itself in rape honey. It's sweet, but not overpowering - like a compliment from someone who really means what they say.
Finish
The finish is medium to long and leaves you with a smile. The oak makes its presence felt once again, accompanied by a light spiciness and a hint of fruitiness. The honey remains until the end.
Thoughts
Marcel 89/100
This Glenfarclas is like a sunny afternoon on a Scottish meadow – sweet, charming, and with just enough oak character to keep things interesting. A whisky that’s fun and tells stories without trying too hard. For anyone looking for enjoyment with a wink, this one’s a bullseye.
Sascha 87/100
The Glenfarclas 2012/2024 impresses with a well-balanced blend of sweet fruit notes and spicy oak that gives the whisky structure and depth. The complexity remains well-controlled without feeling overloaded, making it a solid representative of Speyside. A technically clean, balanced dram with a pleasant texture and a medium-length finish.
Value for Money: Good
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79/100Frequently Asked Questions
What does No-Age-Statement (NAS) mean for the Glenfarclas 2012/2024 The Trinity Vintage Series?
No-Age-Statement (NAS) means that no specific age is indicated on the bottle. Glenfarclas uses casks from the 2012 vintage, bottled in 2024, without explicitly highlighting the age. This allows more flexibility in cask selection and influences the flavor on an individual basis.
Why does the Glenfarclas 2012/2024 smell like hay, and is that typical for Speyside whiskies?
The hay aroma in the Glenfarclas 2012/2024 is unusual but not uncommon for certain cask maturations and vintages. It arises from the combination of malt, oak maturation, and climatic conditions. Speyside whiskies often feature fruity and malty notes, but hay is a distinctive nuance that makes this whisky unique.
How does the 46% alcohol content affect the tasting experience?
At 46% ABV, this Glenfarclas is slightly above the standard 40-43%. The higher alcohol level delivers more intense aromas and a fuller texture without being harsh. This allows the sweet, fruity, and spicy notes to unfold better while maintaining a creamy and oily mouthfeel.