Glenfarclas 15 Year Old

I went to Edinburgh a the end of last year, and had not long been 'getting into' whisky tasting. I had decided that, along with doing some Christmas shopping in the Scottish wonderful city, that I would also taste a few whiskies whilst I had the opportunity, and treat myself to a bottle of the one I liked the most.

Step forward Glenfarclas 15yo. The bartender in the Whisky Rooms bar had to get on some stepladders to get this bottle down, which made me feel that I was drinking something rather special. And indeed I was. Maybe it was the time of year, but the flavours in the whisky instantly brought feelings of Christmas and romance, jumpers, presents. Even Santa Claus himself. The next day I bought a bottle, and have been reliving Christmastime ever since.

Nose: Deep sherry, plum, cherry. Cinnamon, nutmeg, orange. Dark chocolate. Ever so slightly smoky. Wonderfully complex. Warm and inviting.

Taste: Big cherry, very sweet, then come the orange and spices. Bitter chocolate, cream, sugar, mince pies. Very Christmassy. Hints of tobacco. Beautifully balanced.

Finish: A pure extension of the taste. The spiciness and zestiness play on the tongue, surrounded by smoke. Then chocolate and cherry - black forest gateaux! Long, warm and creamy. Wonderful.

This is a brilliant whisky, very complexed but incredibly well balanced. Come December 24th, if you can bear to spare a small measure, I'm sure Santa Claus would love you to leave him a glass of this.

Find where to buy Glenfarclas whisky