Glenfarclas 25 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Staff Reviews

DO

David Othenin-Girard

David Othenin-Girard

K&L Buyer

Review Date: 09/2026

I’m still flabbergasted by the price-to-quality ratio here, especially as competitors keep raising prices. Glenfarclas has long been one of my favorite distilleries, both for the consistency of its whisky and for the Grant family, which has owned it for generations. The 25 Year Old is a benchmark for mature Glenfarclas. It’s often compared with its Speyside neighbor Macallan, but it has a character all its own. Sherry casks play a major role, yet Glenfarclas isn’t bound to a single cask type. The result has enough richness and depth to satisfy a Macallan drinker, along with a subtle complexity that rewards hours of attention. Then there’s the price. I can’t think of another 25-year-old Scotch that delivers this much for the money. This may be the best value in mature Scotch, period.

Notes

Glenfarclas is special for more than its stunning location. One of the last family distilleries in Scotland, it is owned by the Grants, who have been involved in its operations since at least 1865. These days the distillery is a shining beacon of hope for lovers of great, affordable whisky — a rarity in these times. The Grants are committed to releasing high-quality whisky without all the frills like crystal decanters, at prices affordable to most single malt aficionados. While certainly not cheap, their 25-year and 40-year-old malts cost a fraction of their rivals’ whiskies, and they often blow the others out of the water in terms of quality. One of Speyside’s most classic sherried malts (although you’ll only see that regional designation in small print below where it says “Single Highland Malt.”) Tasting notes from the distillery: "Colour: Amber with dark gold highlights. Nose: Complex, yet refined, delicately peated, with fresh tempting aromas of marmalade, honey, freshly ground coffee, sherry and nuts. Some oaky tannins. Flavour: Full-bodied and robust, the sherry and the oak fight for your attention yet neither is overpowering. A powerful nutty smokiness. Finish: Intense, long lasting, dry smoky and malty. A beautiful dark Belgium chocolate taste at the back of your mouth to complete the flavour of the 25 Years Old. Comment: A great after-dinner whisky so rich and full that it is a dessert in itself, with a finish that goes on forever."