Originally distilled when present Brand Ambassador George Grant’s grandfather was head of the Grant family - this very mature expression highlights the large volumes of aged-whisky that six generations of the Grant’s have been able to distil and mature up in Ballindalloch.
Nose: A touch tight and restrained so will need some period of resting. Even then I find it a little shy still. Polish, varnish and light leather alongside ginger cake and a nice touch of citrus. Orange peels and sandalwood provide delicate but interesting aromas and marry well to the quite woody nature of this 30 year old. There’s a light earthiness going on in the background – damp soils and a touch of dunnage warehousing.
Taste: Viscous and silky with good body. Polish, fresh light golden tobacco and a wee touch of salinity. Spice comes to the foreground with pepper and nutmeg. The body is still very fruity and sherried with orange peels, dried red currants, plums and more than a hint of chocolate covered fruit cake.
Finish: Medium, fairly woody and quite drying.
Glenfarclas 30 year old is undoubtedly elegant, but it’s a touch too austere for my liking – almost everything is on the ‘down low’ with no particular flavours providing one single direction of character. Lovely older notes and pronounced fruitiness alongside great balance still doesn’t quite delivery what I’d expect a whisky of this price (quite a step up in £’s from the 21 year old).
Score: 84/100