Glenfarclas is one of my favourite when it comes to good sherry maturation. Their selection of fine casks and the fact they only do what they excel in : sherry, and do not play with any bizarre and exotic finishes, adds a few points in my book. The 15 year old has been a favourite of mine, and I’ve previously reviewed also the 12 year old which is quite different from those two, but very enjoyable. After getting a wee sample of the 17 I’ve not tasted previously, i though of putting those two head to head to see how they differ, and what a difference two years make.The 15 year old is bottled at 46% which is very good, while the 17 (why?!) is only bottled at 43%. as more distilleries are moving into 46% and no chill filtration.
Ok let’s start dramming!
Glenfarclas 15 yo, 46% ABV , £36
C
olour : Golden Amber
Nose : Sherry notes, earthy peat and some wet earthy sand, dry fruits and leather . rather complex concoction. Butterscotch.
Palate: Big bodied, sherry, wee smoke ad peat notes, dried fruits , sugared candy , dark chocolate. big body and very comforting
Finish: Dark chocolate, sherried fruit and some metal notes and wee smoky trail.
Glenfarclas 17 yo, 43% ABV
Colour : Dark Golden Amber
Nose: Big sherry, sweeter than the 15 year old. sultanas,raisins, dates and plums. immersing and very round. a bit mossy ground. fungus.
Palate: Honey, dried fruits and spices (nutmeg, cinnamon) some zest and wee peat smoke. Round, oily and mouth coating.lovely. just plain lovely. Bigger bodied & oilier than the 15.
Finish : Long, nutty and sherry-sweet. ending on spice.
Bottom line:
It’s hard for me to choose between those two excellent sherry drams, It’s like asking a father to say which kid he prefers 
But i can say that i was very surprised by the 17 year old. It seemed sweeter and heavier in body, although it was weaker in ABV %. But again, the 15 displays a nice wee smoke … So, If i had to choose only one bottle right now, i would go with the 17 year old, but that can change tomorrow. I need both bottles in my bar, but it seems it’s harder to locate the 17 year old.
Well done Glenfarclas. Again, it’s a no miss.
Slainte!