Sampling Two Whisky Exchange Exclusives: Glenfarclas 15 & 21 Year Olds – Speyside Whisky Perfection!

The Glenfarclas 15 & 21 Year Old Whisky Exchange Exclusives!

I’ve been lucky enough to be sent a pair of samples from The Whisky Exchange’s “Exclusives” Range. Namely drams from the great Glenfarclas distillery: a 15 year old bottled at 100º proof (57.1%) and a 21 year old bottled at 95º proof (54.2%)!

The Whisky Exchange has worked with Glenfarclas since the early days of the online retailer, not only selling their great whiskies, but also selecting and bottling single casks and small batches.

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

The Glenfarclas 15 Year Old

Tasting Notes – Glenfarclas 15 Year Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (57.1%)

A fruity Glenfarclas single malt bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange after 15 years in sherry-seasoned oak.

Nose: Sweet sherry with plump sultanas and raisins. Then it gets all vanillary with baked apple coated in brown sugar.

Palate: Richly toffee sweet with more plump raisins and that baked, sugared apple detected in the nose makes a welcome appearance!

Finish: Intensely spicy with more fruit leading to a dry finish.

Overall: That ABV is a beast – almost knocked my mouth out! I didn’t try it with water though – I preferred it’s full strength, no-nonsense approach!

£74.95

The Glenfarclas 21 Year Old

Tasting Notes – Glenfarclas 21 Year Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (54.2%)

A rich and fruity 21-year-old Glenfarclas single malt bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange after 21 years in oloroso sherry seasoned oak.

Nose: Banofee pie, fresh apples, wisps of tropical fruits. After a spell the nose leads to sugary, plump raisins, creamy toffee, vanilla and sherry – rather nice!

Palate: Gorgeous thick mouthfeel. Sweet cake spices including cinnamon. There’s fruit cake plus, minty, dark chocolate.

Finish: Sweet finish with a lighter spiciness than the 15 year old – but it still makes itself noticed! Pronounced, dry bitterness at the end with some salt.

Overall: Another great Glenfarclas dram!

£125

Many thanks to The Whisky Exchange (@WhiskyExchange) for the tasters!