Glenfarclas, one of the oldest distilleries in Speyside, is known for its commitment to traditional whisky-making practices. It remains one of the few distilleries using direct fire to heat its stills, which is believed to add weight and richness to the distillate. The distillery’s signature whisky is matured in ex-Sherry casks, primarily Oloroso Sherry, which imparts a deep, rich character to the whisky. Glenfarclas’ maturation process benefits from a cool microclimate, which limits evaporation losses to just 0.05% per annum, far lower than the industry average of 2.5%.
The distillery has a long and storied history, dating back to the late 1790s when it was originally part of a farm. It began legal distillation in 1823 after the Excise Act was passed, and was later acquired by John Grant in 1865. The Grant family has owned Glenfarclas ever since, maintaining the distillery’s continuity and commitment to tradition while adapting to market changes.
Glenfarclas is known for its ability to hold a large stock of aged whisky, which has proven valuable during market fluctuations. The distillery’s resilience through 22 recessions is a testament to its solid business practices. Glenfarclas was also one of the first distilleries to introduce cask-strength bottling, starting with its 105˚ release in 1968, and it has remained a leader in offering quality whisky at reasonable prices, even for older expressions like its 30-year-old.
The distillery places a strong emphasis on maintaining its brand identity, with a minimal presence of Glenfarclas whisky in independent bottlings. In 2007, the distillery released “The Family Casks,” a series of vintage releases from 1952 to 1998, highlighting its extensive stock of aged whisky. The brand has seen global growth, selling over 700,000 bottles annually, while still offering exceptional value for the quality it provides.
With a mix of traditional craftsmanship and innovative practices, Glenfarclas has positioned itself as a leader in the whisky industry, offering whisky that continues to be highly regarded for both its quality and affordability.
