New Glenfarclas Whisky Celebrates 150 Years Of History

The Scottish distillery Glenfarclas, one of a handful of independent distillers still left, has a long history in the Speyside region that dates back to its founding in 1836. It came into the hands of the current family which owns it, the Grants, in 1865 when one John Grant bought it for the English sum of £511.19s.0d. Now, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of their ownership, the Grants have unveiled the £511.19s.0d Family Reserve whisky.

This Glenfarclas whisky, according to the distillery, was bottled at 43% ABV and is non-chill filtered. It is a vatting of primarily first fill sherry buts and looks to be a non-age statement bottling. It should be available this month in some global markets and will include with it a copy of the original bill of sale along with a note from George Grant explaining the significance of the £511.19s.0d Family Reserve to the Grant family tradition.

Official tasting notes for £511.19s.0d, courtesy of Glenfarclas, which also said that, to commemorate this “historic” moment in its legacy, John and George Grant filled 10 sherry butts and 10 sherry hogshead casks to lay down for the future generations.

Sweet and rich sherry, like a toffee syrup over a freshly toasted French baguette, the nose promises fresh fruit smothered in heather honey, ending almost like a sweet port. Then a dry yet sweet taste, a lovely balance of fruit, light nuttiness and milk chocolate develop, followed by a very palatable long and easy finish.