Glenfarclas

Question 1

When was Glenfarclas founded? And by whom?
Who did he sell it to? When?

Answer 1

Founded in 1836 by Robert Hay. He sold to John Grant in 1865. Owned by Grant family ever since

Question 2

What whiskies make up the core range at Glenfarclas?

Answer 2

10 Year Old (40% ABV, 100% Oloroso Casks)
12 Year Old (40% ABV, 100% Oloroso Casks)
15 Year Old (46% ABV, 100% Oloroso Casks)
105 (Cask Strength 60% ABV, 100% Oloroso Casks) - the first Cask Strength single malt

Question 3

What is the water source for Glenfarclas?

Answer 3

From springs above the snow line on Ben Rinnes

Question 4

Where does Glenfarclas get their barley? What is the peat level?

Answer 4

Lightly peated (1-3ppm) from Mutons and Simpsons

Question 5

What was the first cask strength Single Malt? When was it released?

Answer 5

Glenfarclas 105 - first released in 1968 at 60% ABV

Question 6

How large are the washbacks at Glenfarclas? HOw many? What material?

Answer 6

Washbacks have a charge of 41,500 litres. There are 12 made of stainless steel.

Question 7

How long are the fermentations at Glenfarclas?

Answer 7

Minimum 60 hours up to 120 hours. Average fermentation 106 hours.

Question 8

What are the unique features of Glenfarclas stills?

Answer 8

Largest stills in Speyside. All directly fired.

Question 9

How many wash stills are Glenfarclas? What is the charge? What shape?

Answer 9

3 boiling ball wash stills with rummages. 25,000 litre charge. Slightly descending lyne arms

Question 10

How many spirits stills are there at Glenfarclas? What size charge? What shape?

Answer 10

3 Boiling ball stills. 21,000 litre charge with slightly descending lyne arms.

Question 11

What type of condensers used at Glenfarclas?

Answer 11

Shell and Tube

Question 12

What is the new make spirit strength for Glenfarclas? What is the fill strength?

Answer 12

68.3% new make
63.5% fill strength

Question 13

What is the new make character at Glenfarclas?1

Answer 13

Delicate, sweet, and fruity - gains weight during maturation

Question 14

Where does Glenfarclas get their casks?

Answer 14

All sherry casks sourced from Jerez cooper Miguel Martin (mix of butts and hogsheads)

Question 15

What does Glenfarclas mean?

Answer 15

Valley of the Green Grass

Question 16

What are the mashing waters at Glenfarclas?

Answer 16

1st 68,000 liters at 64C
2nd 68,000 liters at 78C
3rd 68,000 liters at 90-92C (sparge)

Question 17

What is the grist ratio at Glenfarclas?

Answer 17

79% Grits
17% Husk
4% Flour

Question 18

What types of barrels are used at Glenfarclas?

Answer 18

Mostly sherry hogsheads and butts
Oloroso sherry
Bodega = Jose Miguel Martin supplies barrels