Glenfarclas is one of the last distilleries in Scotland to be family owned and operated. They are also one of the last to use direct fire stills instead of the steam filled unit heaters common in state-of-the-art modern distilleries. As a result, Glenfarclas whiskies have long held something of a cult status among Scotch aficionados.

The 12-year-old is a step up from their entry-level single malt and a great introduction to what this distillery is all about. Like their more mature expressions, this has spent the full 12 years in Oloroso Sherry casks meaning it is packed full of fruity flavors.

But the direct fire stills ensure plenty of rich caramel sweetness is packed in there too, while the oak delivers its usual twang of spiciness into the mix. The mix of flavours mean this whisky is best enjoyed neat or with the smallest splash of water.

There is much more to this single malt than many others that come out of the Speyside region and that’s a testament to what a special distillery Glenfarclas is.