Glenfarclas 10 Years Old (40%, OB, 2014)

• Speyside single malt scotch whisky
• 40% ABV, £30 for 70cl
• Score: 83/100

What they say:

Colour: Vibrant straw-gold

Nose: Tempting sherry-sweet malty tones combine with delicate smokiness, releasing subtle spices. Warming the glass reveals honey, vanilla and pear drops.

Flavour: Delicately light, with a mouth-watering combination of maltiness, smokiness and sherry sweetness. Hints of dried fruit, vanilla, cinnamon and cloves tempt the taste buds further.

Finish: Long, smooth and spicy, with a delicious, yet delicate, lingering smokiness.

Comment: Gloriously smooth, yet with the depth and finish you would normally only expect of a much older dram. A wonderfully sherried whisky, and an excellent aperitif.

What I say:

Our second dram of the WOLS 13/14 session tour of the regions was the Glenfarclas 10 year old from the Speyside region

Colour:

Light straw gold (3/20) thick and quick streaks

Nose:

Sweet, Apple juice, slightly estery or fermented, fresh and green [apple], grape, peach, heather honey, sweet cereal barley, vanilla custard, fresh and zesty with strong toffee and butterscotch aromas

Taste:

Smooth, creamy and complex, cremola foam, vanilla and brown sugar, sherbet, zesty fizz, dried fruits with a distinct bitter finish that had some of the group thinking of coffee/coffee beans and others with dark chocolate.

Finish:

Medium slightly bitter coffee and creamy vanilla