I haven’t done a post like this before. For the most part up until now each article has been unique. I don’t tend to buy the same bottle twice but after 7 or 8 years of posting I do end up getting the same sample many years apart. Mostly this happens on Christmas Advent calendars but its happened again today and I thought I would compare and contrast the tasting notes 7 years apart.

I have changed, the industry has changed and the tasting notes have changed. The question is how much has been for the better and how much has been a degradation.

The original post is at: Glenfarclas 10 Year Old

Tasting Notes (2017)

Colour – Straw

Nose – Cloves are quite obvious initially with some malty notes hinting at some youth. There is citric rinds and savoury nutmeg in here as well along with woody spices. The savoury gives way to a touch of sweetness in time though

Palate – The texture is very thick and viscous which is noticeable from the legs in the glass as well. There are more fruit notes in the mouth with oranges and dried fruits along side.  A new aspect is a hint of charring giving an earthy aspect. However, there is a hollow empty aspect to the palate which is disappointing.

Finish – Dry finish but not very long. Touch of chilli  heat and the leaves of the curry plant.

Colour	Straw
Nose	Cloves are quite obvious initially with some malty notes hinting at some youth. There is citric rinds and savoury nutmeg in here as well along with woody spices. The savoury gives way to a touch of sweetness in time though
Palate	The texture is very thick and viscous which is noticeable from the legs in the glass as well. There are more fruit notes in the mouth with oranges and dried fruits along side.  A new aspect is a hint of charring giving an earthy aspect. However, there is a hollow empty aspect to the palate which is disappointing.
Finish	Dry finish but not very long. Touch of chilli  heat and the leaves of the curry plant.

Tasting Notes (2026)

Colour	Straw (a Match)
Nose	honey, pastry, brown sugar on an apple crumble (very different, less wood influence in 2026 I’d say)
Palate	icing sugar initially twists with a apple tartness and some chilli (different but I do agree on the disappointing comment)
Finish	Dry finish but not very long, touch of chilli again and pepper. (mostly the same)

Where Can I Buy?

Master of Malt – Glenfarclas 10 Year Old 70cl Whisky | Master Of Malt

Amazon – https://amzn.to/4aWxISh

Final Thoughts

At £40 its gone up £5 in 7 years which is fair enough so that’s a tick but I think its pretty clear 7 years on and the whisky isn’t as interesting or including as much fresh casks as it used to.