Introduction
Here we go with my first review of a free Master of Malt sample. It’s a 20 year old Glenfarclas from the Family Cask series, bottled at 56.5%. There were 521 bottles produced from a single refill sherry puncheon. I’m going to compare it with the standard Glenfarclas 17 year old release.
MoM 3cl Samples and packaging
I already discussed what’s going on with these samples from MoM. I’d like to additionally editorialize that their sample program is pretty sweet. As long as you’re comfortable with the prices they charge for the samples you’re interested in, everything else is top notch. Excellent packaging with really nice looking wax-dipped bottles, and very fast shipping. The only down side is I’d rather see 40 or 50 ml samples, depending on how much extra they would charge.
Tasting notes and comparisons
Glenfarclas Family Cask 1986 (cask #3434; 56.5%; 70cl $260, 3cl $15)
Glenfarclas 1986 Family Cask
My rating: 87 points
Glenfarclas 17 Year (43%; 75cl $85)
Nose: The same kind of sherry (dried fruits) as the 1986, as well as vanilla and oak, but the fruit stands out more, and the oak stands down to create a more balanced presentation. Palate: Malty and sweet, and lightly spiced, with noticeable drying on the tongue.Finish: Balanced on the finish, just as on the nose. Less oaky again than the Family Cask, which I think is a good thing in this case. It’s probably just the oak/malt combination, but in the nostrils, I could swear there’s a hint of Highland Park style smoke that lingers for a while.
My rating: 88 points
Comparison
Neither one of these is a “sherry bomb.” Look to first-fill sherry cask expressions for that. The 1986 brings increased oak on the nose and finish relative to the 17 year, to the point that it might be a little much for some people. Add a little water to balance it out. And of course, there’s the higher ABV, which provides more impact. The 17 year offers increased maltiness on the nose and finish, and perhaps a hint of smoke. For me, the 17 year wins out on the nose, the 1986 has an edge on the palate, and the finish goes once again to the 17 year.
Bottom line
If you’re a fan of medium-sherried whiskies that allow the oak flavors to come through, you’ll probably like the 1986 Family Cask. However, price is certainly a consideration. I would not pay $260 for a bottle unless I really wanted something tied to the year 1986. That being said, this Family Cask bottling is a very enjoyable whisky, and thanks to Master of Malt, if you’re considering buying one to celebrate the year 1986 in some way, you can try a sample for $15 [hey, that was a pretty good plug, huh?].
The Glenfarclas 17 year isn’t as big on the palate, but otherwise offers a very similar, and in some ways more balanced profile for much less money. I’m very impressed with this expression, and purchased a backup bottle when it was on sale locally.
This is a pair of extremely enjoyable medium-sherry whiskies and both are highly recommended based on taste. For value, the 17 year obviously wins out.
Master of Malt info
Many thanks to Natalie and the gang at Master of Malt for picking out a set of samples and supplying them to me. This special, rare bottling sample was a nice surprise. Check out MoM on the web here:
Once again, here’s the link to the Glenfarclas Family Cask 1986 page, where you can purchase a full bottle or sample. For the record, this is not an affiliate link. I’m not currently participating in any such programs.
Cheers, Jeff
Scotch Hobbyist's Blog 
Good to know that these are not ‘sherry bombs.’ I have an opportunity coming up soom to buy a bottle of Glenfarclas 21 yrs and I think I will do so. While you did not review that bottling, your review confirms what i have suspected, and that is Glenfarclas is not super sherried. Rarely do sherry bombs work for me. There is a notable exception though, . . . Macallan 18.
Cheers!
Jason
Actually, Glenfarclas DOES have some real sherry bombs. I have a sample of a 1974 that is very much so.
The 21 year is much more sherried than either of these releases. More (and fresher) red fruits. It’s also sweeter. More of a dessert malt.
From what you’re saying, I’d try before you buy if possible.
Ok…I revisited my 21 year sample tonight. It’s a little more fruity at first on the nose than the 17 year, and it’s a bit sweeter, but it’s not a sherry “bomb.” The vanilla/oak still comes through and balances it out. It is a bit “softer” and easy going than the 17 year.
Thanks Jeff!
Jeff,
Your review seems quite fair. Glenfarclas is great… they just need a full craft-orientated presentation for all of their OB bottlings 🙂