Glenfarclas – 185th Anniversary Single Malt (70cl, 46%)

This is a Speyside single malt bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle to mark the 185th anniversary of Glenfarclas. The distillery received its licence in May 1836, and the release was made 185 years later. It is a vatting of whiskies from the distillery's casks of the last six decades, so it includes malt a little over 50 years old. Very old casks add complexity, whisky of middle age adds a light fruitiness and younger whisky adds freshness. Only 6,000 bottles were filled, with no added colour and no chill-filtration. The style is rich and sherried. The nose offers plum jam, toasted buttered teacake and festive spice, while the palate brings Christmas cake, mint chocolate and strong coffee. The finish is long, with stewed fruit, blackcurrant jelly and mahogany.