Glenfarclas has unveiled its 70 Year Old single malt whisky, marking a milestone in the distillery’s long history. This release showcases more than 70 years of maturation and expertise.
Distilled in 1953 and Carefully Aged
The whisky was distilled on 20 November 1953 and matured in a single first-fill sherry cask. Over the past seven decades, six distillery managers have overseen its aging in Glenfarclas’s traditional dunnage warehouse.
John Grant, chairman of Glenfarclas and fifth generation of the Grant family, said:
“As chairman of the family distillery, I am committed to overseeing the production of our fine malt whisky, just as my ancestors did before me. We are proud to control every aspect of production, preserving time-honoured traditional methods — especially the use of direct-fired stills, which create a rich, full-bodied spirit.”
He added:
“Remarkably, this cask has been aging for nearly as long as I have lived. Releasing it now is a significant moment, one that I and Callum Fraser (distillery manager) have approached with great respect for its heritage.”
Taste and Aroma Profile
At 42.9% ABV, Glenfarclas 70 Year Old offers complex aromas of stewed fruit and traditional Scottish dumplings. Delicate notes of Speyside peat from the slopes of Benlynnis add a subtle earthy and smoky edge.
The palate reveals flavours of dark chocolate, sherry-soaked dried fruit, roasted coffee, and molasses toffee.
True to Glenfarclas’s style, the whisky is bottled without chill filtration and contains no added colouring.
Oldest Whisky Released by Glenfarclas
This 70-year-old expression is the oldest whisky ever released by Glenfarclas, surpassing the 60 Year Old single malt first launched in 2014. In recent years, the distillery also released 62 and 63-year-old whiskies.
Limited Edition and Historical Significance
The whisky was created amid the bustling malting warehouse at Glenfarclas, where barley was traditionally turned by hand. Today, that warehouse serves as the distillery’s blending room.
Made from malted barley, this rare single malt is limited to just 262 bottles. It comes from one of the few remaining casks dating back to the 1950s.
Callum Fraser, who has managed Glenfarclas for 13 years, said:
“This is authentic Glenfarclas. This whisky captures the distillery’s DNA. The techniques used 30, 40, even 70 years ago are still practiced today. The warehouse walls hold decades of stories, and at the heart of it all is tradition.”
A Whisky That Withstood Time
This whisky has patiently matured for 70 years — through wars, the reigns of queens and a king, and many changes worldwide. It stands as a rare and timeless testament to patience and craftsmanship.
Availability and Pricing
Glenfarclas 70 Year Old will be available globally from June 2025. It will be sold through a select network of specialist retailers across more than 50 markets.
The recommended retail price is £20,000 ($26,834), though prices may vary by region.
Last year, Glenfarclas released a 24-year-old single malt as part of its annual decanter series.
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