Glenfarclas bottling commemorates coronation

Speciality Drinks has launched its latest bottling; a special crystal decanter filled with a single cask 1953 vintage Glenfarclas single malt whisky, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of this historic occasion, Speciality Drinks has released 60 specially commissioned crystal decanters.

The whisky has been matured in a single sherry butt at the distillery in Ballindalloch for almost six decades and has been bottled at its natural strength. Only the natural elements of air, wood and time have influenced the development of its magnificent flavour profile.

Connoisseurs of fine whisky will recognise the rarity of any single malt reaching such a  great age; for the whisky to still  be in such amazing condition is little short of miraculous.  This remarkable sherry cask has yielded a whisky of unsurpassed quality, with an exquisitely refined array of rich and complex flavours.

Tasting notes:

Nose  –  At first concentrated dark fruit, macadamia nuts and orange liqueur. Baked apples and raisins develop in the glass for a more subtle style of whisky, while shiitake mushrooms, autumn leaves and sandalwood add a wonderful savoury aspect. Spiced cake and dried fruit provide a balancing sweetness.

Palate  –  An initial launch into clove studded oranges and mulled wine, with fragrant arabica coffee, dark chocolate and umami. The flavours then lighten and lead towards an explosion of fruit - ripe mango and guava are balanced by grapefruit and juicy mandarin. Behind this, gentle honey sweetness and barley sugar combine with ground nutmeg and cinnamon to give a complex and rounded body. Given time, tarragon and cedar wood compliment leafy mint and cooked blackberries.

Finish  –  Soft orchard fruit and bread pudding linger on the palate, with touches of hazelnut, fresh mint and citrus juice leaving you ready for another sip.

The Coronation Decanter is available to buy exclusively from The Whisky Exchange (www.thewhiskyexchange.com) with an RRP of £6,000.

17 September 2013 - Felicity Murray TheDrinksReport.com, editor