ralfy review 981 - Glenfarclas 15yo @46%vol (2023)

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[@whompbiscuits8930]

Many times, Jim McEwan has adamantly stated in interviews that caramel colorant takes jobs away from coopers. Being a former cooper himself way back when, I take his word very seriously. But if caramel colorant is the injury to coopers’ job security, then chill filtration is the insult on top of that injury. Because coopers work so hard to build a cask using the best wood available in order to deliver maximum flavor to the spirit, just so senior management can enforce chill filtration which strips out much of that flavor thereby subverting all the cooper's hard work in the first place.

[@nickolaymiltenov]

You are right, and this is so sad.😢

[@whompbiscuits8930]

@@undilutedryan-ze3iz Can't agree. I know quite a few casual drinkers, none of them care about the color. They just want to drink or get outright drunk. That's what makes them casual. If they're anything, they're brand-led. Only time they've cared about color was getting a black liquor for someone's 40th birthday party. When it's said that customers care about color or clarity or whatever, it's normally rooted in distillers saying that's what their customers want, as if distillers 1) conduct market research, and 2) listen to their customers. My opinion is since this trope largely comes from distillers, it's likely a lie. Distillers do that from time to time, particularly the lie of omission. Again my opinion, distillers do this anyway because it makes marketing people feel better about the "quality" of the product because it looks shiny and glossy and clear, and appearance is the only quality they care about.

[@robfut9954]

Well it takes jobs away in so far as it adds fake color that makes it so that distillers don’t NEED to pay for a fresh cask to get that same dark color. They can reuse casks again and again and again… then just “finish” it a couple months in an exotic cask and add e150 to give the missing color.

[@thetezz0001]

The most genuine man on the internet

[@terrortower666]

That’s why we love him!

[@Pew7070]

The biggest promoter and the biggest critic of scotch I know. And I love you for it! ❤

[@beatroot_red]

I love this channel and the amount of profound information given here is outstanding. There is a ton of marketing gibberish used in the whiskey industry but Glenfarclas labeling there bottles as highland malts is not a recent marketing move. They have been doing it for a long time. You should cut them some slack here. You said it yourself, good sherry casks are hard to come by and expensive. With a range basically centered around sherry casks whiskeys it would be absolutely impossible to survive without providing something to the occasional Whisky buyer. It's still business and it involves calculating margins.

[@scottpascoe562]

Having tried the 10,12,15,17 , 21 and 25, the 15 is MILES ahead of all the others.

[@Peter_Box]

I like the 15 yo. Glad that it comes to us in Alberta, Canada.

[@danhammer106]

The word "understated" is the best one to define Glenfarclas as a whole, then the 15's bottle, label and contents also. May they never change it.

[@brucekuo9417]

Unfortunately, I have to say new batch 15 (purple paper box packaging ) sherry cask and aging flavor is weaker than before.

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

I enjoy the 15, but prefer the 12 strangely enough especially at Christmas 🎄 time. I also have thoroughly enjoyed their 105 which never disappoints. Thanks dear Ralfy you are honest, knowledgeable and friendly which is why you are so appreciated. Ciao 👋 S.

[@snail415]

I still consider the 10-year their best (accessible) work. And that’s coming from someone with a bottle of the 25-year.

[@benjamintreitz1647]

This was my wife's Valentine's gift for me this year ❤

[@barryhamilton7845]

I've got official 40 year old Glenfarclas miniatures that are bottled at 46%abv but also have the same ones that are 43%abv,the ones in the small red box.But the ones in the small purple tube are 46%.But most importantly Glenfarclas is still in Scottish hands,thank God.

[@ronaldbeerguy]

A very solid and still reasonably priced single malt scotch that I can buy in my neck of the woods here in western Canada. This is a bottle I can enjoy, and when the time comes have no anxiety over spending the money on another bottle. Fair review Ralfy. 🥃👏

[@P0D1894]

15 yr is the best

[@birddogmi67]

Good to see you Ralfy

[@geshtin]

I love this one and their cask strength 105. These were the first two whiskies that I truly loved after Laphroaig 10yo. Laphroaig was my intro to whisky and I loved it so I went all in on Islay at first. And then Glenfarclas introduced me to whisky that isn't smoky so these to distilleries hold a bit of a sentimental place in my heart.

[@randallk2556]

Thanks for your reviews ralfy they are always non biased and on point.

[@lightplays2181]

Good whisky , good review .Slàinte !

[@joer9643]

Great review. Love the 15. My favourite Glenfarclas are the family casks, especially 1st fills, absolutely out of this world.

[@WhoeverNevermind]

Im just a noob, but im glad to know that im not alone in this. I've tried the 8, 10, 12, 15, 18 and the cask strength versions over the last 3 years and the 15 was the BEST by FAR. The 8 and the 10 are jokes (maybe around 70/100?), the 12 and 18 are decent, the CS one is actually enjoyable, but the 15 is just amazing. I was shocked when I had to come to terms and accept that the 18 was actually worse than the 15 three years ago. I was so new to the whole whisky thing that I still thought that the older the better.

[@alimack42]

Hi Ralfy, I think the 15 year old is the best, however I also like the 21 year over the the 25 year old. Had a bottle of both a couple of years ago & tasted them side by side. & for me the 21 came out tops!!

[@allanwhittle3041]

Very good Ralfy Keeping it sensible , evaluating the passage of time and taste 🤣 Nowt more to be said 👍🥃

[@jcarrione]

Ralphy, you have teach me the art of drinking malt whisky, thank you for been so honest and professional, be resilient, kick some asses… I will like to meet you some day, regards from Ecuador

[@farshadp6114]

Greeting Mr Ralfy and thank you for another great video. I have 25 and 12 year old , 15 is on special at the local bottle shop at the moment, but I bought Ardberg An Oa instead last weekend. It didn't impress me much, so I am gonna give it a few months and try again. I found 12 year old Glenfarclas very malty but really love the 25 year old after I left it for a year, and I think still have some left. Have a great week, and take care.

[@jimmclachlan5941]

I usually go for the 15 as the 46% is what we want but I did find a 17 yo a while back and treated myself to 21 yo about a year ago but the strength really does let them down.

[@debbybrady1246]

Seventeen years ago I had just met my, now, hubby. I had never had Scotch before. He made me a drink with Glenfiddich 12 on ice with a little water. I loved it. Fast forward to now. After watching your videos we have learned the proper was to drink our whiskey. Wow, it tastes nothing like the original drink we had. The flavors are much more complex. Now we drink it properly. Actually, we hardly drink it anymore, as we had moved on to better juices. Thanks Ralfy.

[@zippy5131]

Brings back memories, of when I was stationed at Lossiemouth in the '90's and doing the whiskey tour each year, with a few of the jolly chappies. We ended up at Glen Farclas and to our suprise and dismay we were the first people they had all week. So the absolutley lovely young lady gave us a tour of kings, she was fantastic. And the tasting at the end in the beautiful board room. I used to buy the twelve year old from the Bucaneer garage and the 105. Lovely drop, the last time I was up there was can't remember the year but we were at Kinloss and a few bottles were re-supplied from the Buccaneer.

[@snail415]

The comment on Gaelic misuses was hilarious…and dead-on.

[@Norris_84]

Cheers Ralfy. I do like the 15. Its a really nice after dinner dram. Found it quite syrupy almost. Not complex but very rich. However, recently had the 105 and that, although a different animal, might just win it for me.

[@dunewalks5988]

Love your work. I’d go as far to say you’re the father I never had Ralfy…. 🥃

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

Throwing the toys at the pram! 😂😂😂

[@anthonymcquillan4283]

Superb video

[@michaelbiltjinitis6519]

👏👏👏 love your content iv been following you since i was 21 i am now 31 you are a intelligent man God Bless you

[@davesilbaugh9526]

As a noob to fine whisky, I am learning so much by watching your reviews. I love your honesty and your presentation. Thank you for enlightening me on the wonderful world of whisky.

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . happy to help !

[@Dan-hn1lx]

I have the 10, 12 , 15 and I just love the butterscotch nose and palate on the 10 its got more bourbon influence I believe and it just hits this sweet spot for me despite being 40 abv and chill filtered. The 15 is also a standout in their range very nice.

[@undivided_unified]

I wish it was available in the US, its REALLY A WINNER!

[@888georges]

Leaning so much from Ralfy🙏🙏🙏

[@kurtludington5986]

Been looking for the 15 yr for quite some time in the states. Hopefully one day.

[@jfgenie]

I have a little good update to bring to your attention, my friend! I have found a Glenfarclas "105 Cask" edition, which is comes at cask strength, 60%. Seriously considering buying a few bottles for the stash now..!

[@coalstar]

That's a great one! ❤

[@dunewalks5988]

In terms of non-chill filtered and natural colour, I contacted Laphroaig to ask them about 10-year-old Cask Strength Batch 15. They confirmed it was both of these do and that they (Laphroaig) do not follow this process when making their whisky. However they did advise that they barrier filter the liquid to ensure that any char form the barrel does not make its way into the bottle. Will that also remove the scotch mist you are talking about Ralfy? Thanks 🥃

[@jonassajson6230]

Hello Ralfy. Appriciate your videos and your knowledge. I believe 105 cask strenght is unchillfiltered too.

[@iancrombie8862]

Gone up in price 50%..in last 5 years!!🙈😱

[@HerbertDuckshort]

From now on I am going to separate my whisky purchases into Jedi or Sith categories. 😎

[@rickymccurdy.404]

Excellent review . Look forward to your next 'extras' video .

[@xiamengbaby]

15 year is the one Glenfarclas bottled at 46%. It's also the one bottle not sold in the US. 🤬

[@martijnwierenga4542]

All I know is that your head looks funny through a glass of Glenfarclas 15. That is all I can say off the looks of the whisky. But the nose, the palate and the thick oily finish of this heavenly taste is a very good one to experience.I like this and your channel very much!!!!😃😀

[@djscottdog1]

The 15 is the only one that is ok , i cant remember if its unchill filtered. But the general rule is that anything bottled at lower than 46 is chill filtered, if you reduce it below that without chilling it will go into bottle with the haze through the roof. The gas bill at glenfakles i was told was 30k a week.

[@joakimflinck8208]

Agree on this one, great distillery and The 15 is Malty great. Hope they change the way of chillfiltered, they would gain a lot. Been at the distillery and tasted 5 great old non chillfiltred malts. Glourious

[@kaiserhog]

Love the 'Farclas ❤

[@hankbarnes8674]

It was an episode of Frasier that mentioned the Glenfarclas 25 Year Old, that got me on to the distillery. Since then I've accumulated many of their age statement expressions and limited edition bottlings for my. collection.

[@Norris_84]

Roz pours a huge tumbler of it down the sink 😱

[@jamesangus7253]

Had a pouch of this from Whisky Me recently. Enjoyed it. Decent whisky. Last bottle I bought was only a few years back for about 45 notes. Brilliant value. It's now near 65 notes. I'd happily have a bottle but now there's a good number of bottles that are cheaper ahead of it. Real shame.

[@gahangore111]

Where I am there isn't a better value for a bottle than the 15

[@jtf2dan]

Here in Ontario, we get the 12, 15, 17, 25, 30, 40 year olds...as well as the "105"....the 12, 15 and 17 are great buys at 75, 109 and 137 dollars a bottle respectively..so well under 10 dollars a year. The 30 and 40 year old at over 1,000 and 1,700 dollars a bottle are over 30 and 40 dollars a year for each respectively, so I wont be buying those...

[@Mynx001]

Glenfarclas 15, still solid. Good review Ralfy.

[@npolansky9959]

Great review Ralfy, but speaking of artificial geographic references where does Glengoyne fit in? Distilled in the highlands and aged in the lowlands. (I love being difficult)

[@ThyCorylus]

I've got hold of a Glenfarclas single cask presentation bottled to celebrate a local whisky merchant. It will be "popped" or "cracked" if one prefers, later this year hopefully.

[@Eunegin23]

I had at least 5 bottles over last last 15, 20 (?) years. Every (!) bottle was different. From an almost 80 but more in the hight 70s (sulfur, thin, weird aftertaste) to a 90 (brilliant). Glenfarclas unfortunately isn't consistent at all. Yet I would try it again if the price is right. Potentially a great whisky.

[@weesky5222]

i like this distillerie, have the 15 and 21yo and enjoy them.

[@Shane4Bass]

I've just come back to this whisky after quite a few years, and it is is still a delicious dram. The 10 YO was also very good, regardless of the lower price. However the 101 has become a bit thin, despite the much higher ABV

[@singlemaltwhiskyenthusiast9248]

Yes🎉 84

[@jackthepickledhound]

I want to love the Glenfarclas, but without this 15 getting imported into the US it's a long shot if I'll ever try it. I usually blend my extremely pale gold 105 with some 12 and it's a very nice dram. Seems like they could really compete in the sherry scene if they revamped the whole core range with integrity.

[@alexadamou7039]

Review starts at 11:19.

[@jackhammer8439]

Just had the 25 at a local monthly tasting. Only ever had the 12 and don’t really remember it. The 25 was really quite good. I’d be really curious to have the 15. Bang for buck w the line up is pretty good.

[@JakeKim.]

Glenfarclas 15 is the best among their official bottlings. Thanks for your keen opinion as always.

[@themrfretking]

You won me with the jedi malt

[@Onoelo23gf]

My first and ONLY Glenfarclas was the 105! I couldn't stomach it-mind you, I'm a Kavalan fan, and they are also pretty high-ABV whiskies. Frankly, I couldn't get beyond the wood flavour. One can't have everything, can we?

[@arunboy6307]

#84# 87 in old money. Cheers Ralfy , that’s cleared that up . I see where you’re going here , allowing for wiggle room. 💯 % NCF 🥃 keep fighting the good fight 🙏

[@AdlerDanEgoe]

rollling good intro Ralfy. btw, I've poured myself a dram of Glencadam 10 as a night cap. last third of the bottle left. it's more funky than ever, don't advertise it if you please, the price is still right

[@torbjornkarlsen]

What do you pay for a bottle of this whisky? Here in Norway it's 990 NOK which equals £73.3 or €85.2 or USD 91.7.

[@coalstar]

Pretty sure the 21 is *not* chill-filtered...at least the bottles I have. My favorites are still their 15yo and 21yo. 😍 Still thankfully cheaper than equivalent-quality malts here in WA.

[@shan1340]

I tried leaving glenmorangie 10 (43% abv in US) in two glasses with a lid on it for a week with a few drops of water in one of them. The glass with water started to turn cloudy on the third day. In the other cup without water, there was a little oil floating on the surface on the 4th day, and it started to become cloudy on the 5th day. Does it mean they did partial or lightly chill filtered?

[@kfakler]

Everyone knows the Highlander, there can be only one. But who is the Speysider? 😁

[@gertabour9509]

Ralfy may be the Speysider. If he told you though he would have to kill you.

[@Doddo13]

Dear Ralfy, Thank you for your interesting videos. Did you like the 105 version 60% volume? Please review it if it deserves.

[@allenrolfs6048]

Ralfy, you stated that only the Glenfarclas 15 y/o was the only one that was bottled above 40% ABV. My bottle of Glenfarclas 105 “cask strength” is listed at 60%.

[@joer9643]

He means from the core range. Lots of Farclas is above 40% for example all the family cask range are high ABV

[@christophershreiner5114]

I just noticed the Dalek in the background. 🙃

[@Mikego55]

I’ve been setting up my own little scotch haven and I’m overwhelmed with organizing my stash. Do you organize by region, year, or pleated / non peated. Or should I leave it haphazard, full of surprises when I reach into the back of the cupboard. Right now I have 200+ bottles, more than I can consume before I go to that Bothy in the sky. Just wondering how you manage your larder.

[@petertilsley3015]

Are you absolutely sure the 12yo is chill filtered? If you put a small cube of ice in it you get a haze. You might very well say what are you doing putting a small cube of ice in it for.....on a hot day in NZ its the only way to drink it. In winter its neat & I dont add water. Am also confused in that you say ALL 40/43% bottles are chill filtered. Surely some of them aren't ie the manufacturer has arrived at these percentages by the simple addition of water not chill filtration. Or is that not how its done? I must admit I find it confusing but it is interesting. Cheers for your enthusiasm & the great reviews.

[@GaryP515]

Interesting to see how your opinion on Glenfarclas 15 has changed since your last review of it, Ralfy. I started drinking it last year and enjoyed it so much, I bought more this year. What surprises me most is your opinion that it's good value. In January, I picked up several bottles online from The Wine Society for £49 a bottle. They were far cheaper than everyone else online, but sadly that didn't last and they're now asking £78 a bottle. The cheapest I've seen it elsewhere is around £70 plus delivery. I can't bring myself to pay that for a fairly ordinary 15 year old. Do you really think it's still well-priced these days?

[@donnystack4396]

I think they just put highlands on it just to let people know that it’s not an isla or peated scotch. First thing I think of when I hear highlands scotch is non peated but that’s just me…

[@ronprichard6145]

In the light of your comments I checked price and availability. There is a 60 year old available locally for a mere $45,900 (US$28,116).

[@babydavey2782]

I got a 15 years old that was not up to scratch as definitely had a better quality drop before

[@tomz6594]

Sadly I've never seen the 15 in the US so the 105 is my best option. I also like the 12 and 17. The 12 was my go-to for gatherings with whiskey novices due to the value.

[@nintendonut100]

I'm not in America, so I could definitely be wrong, but I've heard that the 15 isn't exported to America

[@swedishburrito5073]

❤👍

[@ManojRR]

Man! I brought one of these in 2019 during lockdown and opened it in 2022 to celebrate buying a new house. Was underwhelming to be honest. Very hot on the palette and burned off all taste-buds. Great nose though. 105 in my opinion is the best of the lot.

[@terrortower666]

Sounds like you got a bad bottle there malt malt. I know my experience with GF 15 was a positive one , I have heard of batch inconsistency with some of their bottlings

[@bouryan8401]

I thought the 25 yr was non- chill filtered?

[@mattd2001]

11:25

[@mark5ization]

Ralfy dear! -What's your assessment of Glenfarclas 105? Worth a punt? (No matter that I can't find it where I live.)

[@ralfydotcom]

. . .worth a punt !

[@babydavey2782]

I found the liquid was lighter in color recently the flavor not the same

[@boyblue998]

The 15 year old used to be such great value that I bought it regularly even though occasionally there was a bottle with a nasty sulpher flavour. Now the value advantage is no longer apparent so I have had to move on.

[@Cheordig]

£75 - £80

[@silverfox108]

A brand I have started avoiding not impressed with any of them I have tried over the years. I have a bottle of 15 yr open now for 5 years and have not returned to it because it does nothing for me. I bought it because of your reviews.

[@sourdubb755]

it's so simple i live a comment

[@gertabour9509]

Right! I do too.

[@deccyboi4218]

Is 84 good or bad nowadays

[@deante6506]

Good

[@jamesw6403]

I've had two bottles of 15 GF over the last 10 years. Both were sulphur heavy. Not unpleasant but disappointing

[@joer9643]

I think the sulphur notes are generated from the gas fired still profile of the malt, I kinda like it as it’s a Farclas’ signature

[@cycleholic58]

I did not enjoy the version of the 15 yo I bought four years ago. I just found it to be unremarkable. I also tried the 10, which was undrinkable for me unless used as a mixer. As a result, Glenfarclas has gone off my radar.

[@bradl2636]

Definitely a classic. A shame it’s not an integrity bottling.

[@neilmattos2756]

😁

[@sourdubb755]

introvention

[@gertabour9509]

Ralfy, i bet you like listenin to Stacy's Mom sometimes. Stacy's mom has got it going on, she's all i want and I've waited SO long. Stacy can't you see, your not the girl for me? I know it might be wrong, but I'm in love with Stacy's mom!

[@brucekuo9417]

I am a little disappointed with new packaging 15 (purple paper box). It is younger, lighter, and sherry cask influencing no like before.

[@Mark_R_]

Tut tut, Gaylic is Irish, whilst Galic is Scottish. Thought you would know better! Glenfarclas is excellent stuff, usually, although have had a few bad bottles of the 15. Consistency is not their forte IMO. Good value for money, and there is less and less of that these days. Slainte

[@caskstrength7629]

I own a Glenfarclas 15 Cask Strength. Check it out comming weekend.😉