Glenfarclas Distillery

The Glenfarclas Distillery, nestled in Speyside, Scotland, is celebrated for its Highland malt whisky with a distinct sherry influence. Established in 1836, it has been under the stewardship of the Grant family since 1865.

The distillery is equipped with six of Speyside’s largest stills and has an impressive annual production capacity of approximately 4 million liters. It maintains an extensive inventory of maturing casks, some dating back to 1953.

Historical Roots and Family Ownership

Tracing its origins to before 1791, Glenfarclas received its official distilling license in 1836, initially operated by Robert Hay. John Grant acquired the distillery in 1865, marking the beginning of long-term family ownership.

The Grant family has successfully navigated various challenges, including economic fluctuations and partnerships, to preserve their independence in the whisky industry.

Whiskey Range and Special Editions

Glenfarclas boasts a diverse range of whiskies, from 8-year-old to 40-year-old expressions, including the notable cask strength 105. The Family Casks collection, introduced in 2007, is a unique series of single cask bottlings from 1952 to 1994.

In 2015, the distillery celebrated 150 years of family ownership with the release of the limited edition £511.19s.0d Family Reserve.

Visitor Experience and Legacy

A pioneer in whisky tourism, Glenfarclas opened its visitor center in 1973. The center features the “Ship’s Room,” adorned with panelling from the historic RMS Empress of Australia.

The distillery’s commitment to innovation and legacy is evident in its recent expansion plans, including the construction of new whisky warehouses, ensuring the continued growth and influence of Glenfarclas in the world of Scotch whisky.

Awards Won by Glenfarclas Distillery

• The company was named “Distiller of the Year” by Whisky Magazine in the years 2006, 2020, and 2023.

• In 2011, their 40-year-old 46% vol. expression was awarded “Scotch Whisky Single Malt of the Year” at the 17th Annual Malt Advocate Whisky Awards​​.

Glenfarclas Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Glenfarclas Distillery offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors, showcasing its rich history and exquisite whisky-making process. Here’s an overview of the tour experiences available:

Classic Tour

• Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours

• Cost: £12.00 for adults; £6 for children aged 10 to 17

• Experience: This tour provides an insightful journey through the distillery with an expert guide. Visitors learn about malt whisky production, maturation, and the distinct history of this family-owned distillery. The tour concludes with a tasting session in the Ship’s Room and an opportunity to browse the distillery shop, which offers a wide selection of Glenfarclas Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky and related gifts.

• Note: Children under 10 are not permitted in the production area due to safety concerns.

Connoisseur’s Tour & Tasting

• Duration: Between 2.5 and 3 hours

• Cost: £65.00 per person

• Experience: Tailored for the whisky aficionado, this tour offers a more detailed exploration of the distillery and warehouses. It includes a special tasting session featuring five selected expressions of Glenfarclas, including two rare single-cask bottlings.

• Age Restriction: This tour is exclusively for individuals over 18 years of age.

Five Decades Tour & Tasting

• Duration: Between 2.5 and 3 hours

• Cost: £150.00 per person

• Experience: This exclusive tour offers an in-depth look at the distillery, followed by a unique tasting experience. Visitors sample five whiskies from The Family Cask Collection, representing each decade from the 1960s to the 2000s. This tour is a journey through the distillery’s history, allowing enthusiasts to taste some of Glenfarclas’s rarest and most exceptional bottlings.

• Age Restriction: This tour is also limited to individuals over 18 years of age.

For further information or to book a tour, visitors can contact the Glenfarclas Visitor Centre via email at visitorcentre@glenfarclas.com or call +44 (0) 1807 500 345.

The distillery, located in Ballindalloch, Banffshire, Scotland, continues to pride itself on the warmth of its welcome and the depth of its whisky heritage.

Flask & Barrel Review of Glenfarclas Distillery

I recently visited Glenfarclas Distillery and, let me tell you, it was pretty much everything a whisky enthusiast like me could ask for. Having toured numerous distilleries over the years, I’ve developed a keen eye for what makes a distillery stand out, and Glenfarclas definitely hits the mark.

First off, the location is just stunning. Nestled in the heart of Speyside, the scenery around the distillery is breathtaking. It’s like stepping into a whisky lover’s dream. The traditional, family-run vibe of the place adds a personal touch that you don’t always get with the bigger brands.

The tour itself was top-notch. Our guide was not only knowledgeable but also had a passion for whisky that was infectious. I learned heaps about their unique distillation process and the history of the distillery, which has been family-owned for generations. It’s this rich heritage that really sets Glenfarclas apart.

Now, let’s talk about the best part – the whisky. The tasting session was a highlight for me. The range of flavors in their expressions is incredible. Each dram was a reminder of why Glenfarclas has such a stellar reputation. Their commitment to quality shone through in every sip.

The only minor downside was the size of the tasting portions – I always find myself wanting just a bit more. But honestly, that’s me nitpicking. The overall experience was fantastic.

In conclusion, I’d rate my experience at Glenfarclas a solid 4.7 out of 5. It’s a must-visit for any whisky collector or enthusiast. Their blend of tradition, expertise, and, of course, exceptional whisky makes it a standout. Can’t wait to go back!

What To Do Nearby Glenfarclas Distillery

• Cragganmore Distillery: Another renowned distillery in the region.

• Cardhu Distillery: Offers a unique experience for whisky enthusiasts.

• Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens: Located just 2.2 miles away, it’s a historic site with beautiful gardens.

• The GlenAllachie Distillery: A must-visit for those interested in the whisky-making process.

• Aberlour Distillery Brand Home: Combines distillery insights with visitor center amenities.

• Knockando Woolmill: A historic site showcasing traditional wool-making.

• The Glenlivet Distillery: Another famous distillery in the area.

• The Linn Falls: A picturesque waterfall, ideal for nature lovers.

• Ballindalloch Single Malt Distillery: Situated 2.4 miles away, it offers a unique whisky experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Glenfarclas Distillery?

• Spice of India: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 9-13 Church St, Dufftown, Keith AB55 4AR, United Kingdom.
  For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441340820820. 

• Plum Garden: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is The Square, Aberlour AB38 9PX, United Kingdom.
  For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441340871617. 

• Toots: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 51 New St, Rothes, Aberlour AB38 7BJ, United Kingdom.
  For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441340832200.

What hotels are near Glenfarclas Distillery?

• The Craigellachie Hotel: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Victoria St, Speyside Way, Craigellachie, Aberlour AB38 9SR, United Kingdom.
  For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441340881204.

• Dowans Hotel & Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Dowans Rd, Aberlour AB38 9LS, United Kingdom.
  For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441340871488.

• The Aberlour Hotel: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 87 High St, Aberlour AB38 9QB, United Kingdom.
  For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441340871287.