Glenfarclas Family Cask 1970 #2031 – Sherry Hogshead

This is whisky history in a bottle. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1970 #2031 is an extremely rare and majestic single cask bottling from one of Glenfarclas’ most legendary vintages. Distilled way back in 1970 and bottled in 2013 – a whisky with over four decades of patient maturation in sherry casks.

Only 157 bottles were bottled from this sherry hogshead, making this release a coveted collector’s item among connoisseurs of classic Highland single malt whisky. It’s a powerful, deep and uncompromising Glenfarclas that shows the distillery’s sherry style at its most intense and mature.

The color alone reveals that this is something special – a stunning dark whisky with a deep, almost ruby red hue, created purely by time and the influence of the sherry cask.

Tasting notes

Aroma: Big, powerful and concentrated nose. Dense and rich fruitcake, heavy raisins and prunes, dripping heather honey and warm spices with distinct notes of cloves.

Taste: Surprisingly dry at the front of the palate. Give the whisky time to open up – it develops significantly in the glass and you’d never guess it’s over 55%. The mouthfeel becomes almost nougaty, viscous and luxurious with almonds, sugar, sherry and a deep, oily texture.

Finish: Very long, intense and complex. Dry sherry, nuts, spices and mature oak linger long and finish with impressive elegance.

The history of the house

Glenfarclas is one of Scotland’s most traditional distilleries and has been owned by the Grant family since 1865. The distillery is known for its uncompromising approach to quality, open fire distilling and consistent use of sherry casks. The Family Casks range is the family’s own treasure trove – unique single cask bottlings, each representing a moment in Glenfarclas’ long and proud history.

• Product type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Series: Glenfarclas Family Casks
• Single Cask: Yes
• Distilled: 1970
• Bottling date: 28/06/2013
• Cask number: 2031
• Cask type: Sherry Hogshead
• Number of bottles: 157
• Alcoholic strength: 55.3%
• Distilled and bottled by: J&G Grant, Glenfarclas Distillery
• Origin: Speyside, Scotland