Back in the 1950s, when George Grant’s daddy was quite literally still in nappies, George’s grandfather was busy laying down stock for the future and to this day the family-run independent distillery and its followers have been reaping the rewards of this policy with some incredible releases.

In 2007 they launched The Family Casks range showcasing some of the best single casks in their warehouses with vintages ranging from 1952 (!) to 1994 on release. Glenfarclas‘ envious inventory of maturing stock then saw them able to add a 40 Year Old to their core range in 2010. How many distilleries can boast that?

Following a couple of 1953 vintage releases over the last couple of years taken from casks that were the very oldest whisky casks in the inventory (like this and this), the inevitable has now happened. Glenfarclas have released an official 60 Year Old bottling for the first time ever.

Taken from a single first-fill Sherry butt (#1672), just 350 bottles will be available worldwide and we’re pleased to say that a small number are now available for sale through the Master of Malt site:

Glenfarclas 60 Year Old (cask 1672) – 43.3% – £14,495.00

Famous for their use of direct-fired stills, predominantly first-fill Sherry casks (and no first-fill bourbon), and their dunnage warehouses, all culminating in gorgeous, rich, fruity and dignified whiskies, this new 60 year old will tick all the right boxes with exceptional maturity to boot. Here’s what George Grant has to say about this landmark release:

“…it has an incredibly dark, rich mahogany colour. It is surprisingly vibrant with lots of dried fruits, demerara sugar and spice coming through on the nose as well as the rich, oaky tannins that one would expect from a whisky of this venerable age. The sherry influence really comes through on the palate, with rich treacle, bitter coffee and espresso notes all making an appearance. The finish is the longest I have ever experienced – 20 minutes later you will still be able to taste the subtle nuances of this incredible dram.”

At a shade under £14.5k, we appreciate that this fantastic piece of history is a little beyond the means of most people, but if you’d like to see what this fantastic distillery – family owned and run since 1865 – is all about, why not grab yourself one our brand new Drinks By The Dram Glenfarclas Tasting Sets?

Inside you’ll find 5x 3cl sample drams of the distillery’s core range, which includes some much-loved, well matured ‘dream drams’, all with a rather more attainable price tag:

Glenfarclas Tasting Set – £45.45

So, to recap – congratulations to one of our favourite distilleries on the planet for reaching a hugely impressive milestone, and if you decide to purchase one of the limited edition 60 year olds, erm… can you send me a little bit? Go on…

Regardless of your budget, however, there’s absolutely no excuse for not getting to know the Sherried ‘Spirit of Independence’.

Glenfarclas – The Spirit of Independence

(Also, keep your eyes peeled for a 70 Year Old being released circa 2024…)

Jake