1982 Glenfarclas Plain Hogshead

One bottle of 1982 Glenfarclas Plain Hogshead, Family Cask Release V. A smooth whisky with notes of vanilla.

Since 1836 Glenfarclas has been in family ownership in Ballindalloch, Scotland. Now under the direction of John Grant (5th generation) and his son George, the distillery relies on six traditional direct-fired copper stills and maturation in plain oak or Spanish sherry casks to produce the lustrous colour and flavour for which it has become noted.

As the current Managing Director, John Grant explains, "My late father, George S. Grant, predicted in the 1960s that we should perhaps lay down more casks for our own use - to be bottled as Glenfarclas Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky. The result is that today we have casks from every year since 1952. This selection of fine malts from so many consistent years is totally unique".

The 1982 vintage is light on the eye, with a nose of soft leather. It has a rich spicy floral taste associated with a refill cask. After the initial thrive there is a slight sweet vanilla flavour at the back of your throat.

Adding a couple of drops of water to the 1982 lets it really come alive, releasing more floral and vanilla notes, with some light nuttiness. An elegant soft finish to a top whisky. Bottled 2006.