Glenfarclas 42 Year Old 1973 Cadenhead’s Authentic Collection

Glenfarclas is well-known for maturing on sherry casks, so you don’t see it that often on bourbon. Cadenhead’s from Campbeltown, however, bottled this single bourbon barrel some 4 years ago. The Glenfarclas spirit was allowed to mature for 42 long years. I reckon if the ABV wasn’t so close to the legal limit, they might have kept it a bit longer in the cask.

I am encountering a bit of an OMG moment as soon as I put my nose in the glass. I get a tremendous mix of tropical fruit (banana, pineapple, peach, mango, quince and passion fruit) delivered in a hessian sack. Or a sandalwood box. Vanilla custard in the back. Finally the smell of a dunnage warehouse with its earthen floor. OMG, like I said.

Hmm, mouth coating on more of the same, joined by some pepper, lemon zest, maple syrup and spicy fruit tea. It even turns a bit waxy. Must be from the long time spent on wood. But not at all oaky or bitter, which is a pleasant surprise.

In the medium long finish, the fruit returns, while a soft bitterness kicks in. Fresh coconut at the death. And at the very end I could swear I taste some peat. Ha!

Impressively fresh Glenfarclas. Thanks, Manny!

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