Glenfarclas 10 Year Old – 70cl

Glenfarclas fills only sherry casks. No bourbon barrels, no half-measures — the 10 Year Old is your first proper taste of a distillery that has quietly done things its own way since 1836.

This is Speyside, not the Highlands, and the Grant family have owned the place for six generations. They still fire their stills directly with flame rather than steam, an old-fashioned quirk that adds a faint toasted depth you'll come to recognise across the range. The spirit here rests in Oloroso casks sourced from Spain, and even at ten years that sherry signature is unmistakable.

The nose is gentle and inviting: honeyed malt, a little vanilla, green apple and pear drop, with the sherry sitting politely in the background. The palate is lighter than the colour suggests — sweet malt, dried fruit, a dusting of cinnamon and clove, a twist of citrus oil. The finish is medium, warm and softly spiced. Bottled at 40%, it's an easy, honest introduction rather than a heavyweight.

This is a lot of genuine sherried Speyside for the money, and a bottle I'd happily keep on the shelf for an unhurried weeknight dram. It won't overwhelm anyone new to malt, which is rather the point.

How to Serve

Neat in a tulip glass at room temperature. A few drops of water lift the fruit and open the spice — this one genuinely rewards it. No need for ice.

Where to Drink It

Boisdale of Belgravia, for its serious Scotch list and live jazz. Dukes Bar in St James's, if you want somewhere quietly grand. Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood for a fireside armchair.

Food Pairings

Lovely with a wedge of aged Cheddar and oatcakes. It also sits happily beside a slice of ginger cake.