GLENFARCLAS 1984 1.169 'A SECRETIVE SORCERER'S BLACK MAGIC' - THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

The weather was cold and wet when we visited Speyside in March 2009... and we even got caught out in a snowstorm at Glenshee and had to turn the car around on the narrow road half way up the hill while sliding sideways down... scary!! Just imagine that a couple of days before, we were on the Isle of Skye only wearing a shirts outside! Ain't Scotland lovely?! :-)

Sorry, got sidetracked there ;-)

First of all, there's not many independent bottlings of Glenfarclas out there, 2nd of all there's probably even less matured in ex-bourbon casks. Now, I've spotted a some at the distillery, but officially Glenfarclas matures all their whisky ex-sherry casks, which is why it makes it extra special to try one from a bourbon cask.

This one is bottled by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, which recently (2013) has put out at least 3 bottlings this year - and all of them distilled on the same day - the 16th of May 1984! I do have the 2 bottlings in stock also and should really be doing a HTHTH with the others, but... well, you know ... ;-)

So for now I'll just review one of them for you...

Glenfarclas warehouses, 23rd March 2009 © The Malt Desk

Glenfarclas 1984 1.169 28yo (16.05.1984)'A secretive Sorcerer's black magic' 54,7%, 218 bottles, refill ex-bourbon hogshead, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Colour is pale gold

Nose:
Honey, flowery/garden note, some oak, sawdust, flour/fresh baked bread, natural caramel, vanilla, mushrooms and fresh baked shortbread with a sprinkle of white sugar

Taste:
Sweet marzipan, hint of nuts, candied fruits, wood sap, florist shop, bran notes, dried hops, toffee again, fresh wood shavings.
Finishes off on high quality ale and heavy malt and hints of banana. Water brings down the oak and makes the whole experience much more creamy.

Quite a bit of oak in this one, which subtracts a couple of points for me - but still a very good dram!

88/100!