Whisky Forum - Glenfarclas 25 or Glenfarclas Family cask 1996

UsaBatch · Single Malt Member Joined: 11 Jan 2014 Posts: 32

I've previously favoured peated Whisky, but have always enjoyed a good Balvenie Or Clynelish.

Recently I tried a Glenfarclas Family cask from 78 and Found it to be Simply Stunning. It tasted like waxy vanilla.

Now I want to buy a Glenfarclas before my Dad comes Next Week. And I'm torn between the Glenfarclas 25 ( Safe Option), or Risk Buying a Family cask from 96 which I'm worried might be too Young and disappoint.

Is there anyone who has tried both types who can give advice?

Cerebral15 · Double Malt Member Joined: 11 May 2015 Posts: 89

The 25 every time for me!

STUDOGG37 · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2015 10:09 am Post subject:

I have tried both the 25 year and a 1996 release 7 (not the summer 2014 release), the Family release was superb and would be my pick.
Just watch what version you are buying.
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CGRenn · Master Of Malts Joined: 09 Feb 2015 Posts: 684

UsaBatch · Single Malt Member Joined: 11 Jan 2014 Posts: 32

It's the VII 55.6% Family cask 1996 - 2011 (marked on the Glenfarclas Site as picked by George Grant!)there was only 1 bottle going for Roughly Â£150 in my local Store.

The One CGRenn mentioned Looks Great too at 22years.

UsaBatch · Single Malt Member Joined: 11 Jan 2014 Posts: 32

Budget is Â£250, don't mind spending it unless the Drama turns out to be rubbish then I get annoyed.

Last experience was Macallan Rare Cask which according to all reviews was like a 25years Macallan without the age Statement. Nose was fantastic but the mouth was simply not good in my opinion. And the finish was Sharp nasty burn.

Started me wondering if Perhaps there was a difference in quailty between the initial Release (Wax Seal) to the recent Version of red paper around the bottle. Only my opinion, but would be a good Marketing ploy to make people part from 300+.

Sorry, I rambled guess I'm still annoyed by that particular one as it was also my first Macallan.

sorren · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2015 5:31 pm Post subject:

If it was me, I would get the family cask., a single cask Glenfarclas at cask strength for Â£150, yes please.. I have several of the family casks and believe me I have not had even a average one, they have all been fantastic.. I have had the 94 and 95 but not 96.. But if you don't get it let me know where it is 😊

Keith · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2015 6:09 pm Post subject:

The Glenfarclas 25 is good but not brilliant, the 30 year old is very good but also a few pounds more.

I haven't had the particular Glenfarclas Family Cask 1996 you mention but I recall a Glenfarclas Family Cask 1994 release V bottled in 2010 which was a really outstanding big sherried whisky which I would take every time before the 25 year old. In my experience with a few Family Cask bottlings the quality has varied from good to outstanding with most being closer to outstanding.

sorren · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2015 9:19 pm Post subject:

Keith, your spot on with the release v 1994..fantastic

UsaBatch · Single Malt Member Joined: 11 Jan 2014 Posts: 32

Purchased the 1996 Family cask VII incase anyone was intrested, thanks for your advice.

It was very good, but already gone as several members of my Family ( those 60years or more) took advantage.

CGRenn · Master Of Malts Joined: 09 Feb 2015 Posts: 684

sorren · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2015 9:32 pm Post subject:

Glad you plumped for the 1996 and enjoyed it.. Those family casks are really good..