The 2nd exclusive offering from TWE and Glenfarclas available on the TWE site is this older 21-year-old whisky bottled at 95 proof, which is 54.2%. It’s also a bit pricier, is it worth the extra pounds? let’s try some.
Glenfarclas 21 yo 95 Proof TWE Exclusive , 54.2% , £125
Nose: the nose is heavier than the 15-year-old with macerated red fruit, initially some black cherries and more notes of blackcurrant jam, then off to dried fruit mainly fig and dates, but also the occasional sultana note. On further nosing, one finds black tea leaves and earthy touch, along with ripe orange and pine resin, with a touch of wood char.
Palate: Quite oily and viscous on entry “mouthcoating” as we like to call it, with a nice sultana sweetness up front, which then develops to prune and fig paste, chocolate, and wood spices (cinnamon, clove) there are fewer wine tannins in here than on the 15 years old, but the wine is sweeter. The earthy feeling is also noticeable (just like in the nose), with a touch of mint, and more raisin-infused chocolate.
Finish: Quite long with more dried fruit (mainly sultana), some caramel, and more oak to balance it.
Conclusion : This is a heavier, older classic dram, with bigger dried fruit notes, and more earth and body. It really is an excellent whisky to sip on a cold winter day, and will definitely be liked by any sherried whisky lover. Lovely.
Is it worth the extra buck? I think it depends on how you like your sherried whisky. I think I prefer this one due to it’s heavier wood notes and one has to love those cherries , plums dates and figs.
Score: 89/100
Available Exclusively on the TWE site