Glenfarclas 70-Year-Old: A Historic Single Malt Milestone from Speyside

The oldest Glenfarclas ever released – from a 1953 first-fill sherry cask

Glenfarclas, the renowned Highland distillery located in the heart of Speyside, has just launched its most mature expression to date: the Glenfarclas 70-Year-Old. Distilled on 20 November 1953, this whisky marks a historic moment for the family-run distillery, being drawn from one of the last three remaining casks of that year. With only 262 bottles released globally and a retail price of around €24,000, this limited edition release is a testament to time, heritage, and the art of whisky-making.

Refined presentation rooted in tradition

Presented as part of the acclaimed Warehouse Series, the Glenfarclas 70-Year-Old is housed in the brand’s signature deep red presentation box, reflecting a design ethos of understated elegance and legacy. The whisky itself displays a stunning dark teak hue, a visual tribute to its seven decades of maturation in a first-fill sherry cask.

This extraordinary single malt matured under the supervision of six distillery managers in the traditional dunnage warehouses, capturing the essence of Glenfarclas’ time-honoured methods and commitment to quality.

Seventy years in the making

Distilled when the distillery’s maltings were still active and barley was hand-turned on the floor, this rare expression has been aging quietly through eras of change — from post-war Britain to the present day. Bottled at its natural cask strength of 42.9% ABV, it remains robust yet refined, shaped by direct-fired stills that are still in use today.

John Grant, fifth-generation owner and chairman, remarked:

“As chairman of a family-owned distillery, I am committed to overseeing the production of our exceptional malt whisky, just as my forefathers did before me. Releasing this cask marks a true milestone, and one that Callum and I have considered carefully and with great respect for its legacy.”

Callum A. Fraser, Distillery Manager, added:

“This whisky has waited seventy years to be enjoyed. Through wars, the reign of a queen and now a king, the world has changed — but this spirit has endured, and it stands as a rare and timeless testament to patience and craft.”

Tasting Notes

Nose: Stewed fruits and a delicate trace of peat smoke from Ben Rinnes, imparting an earthy complexity
Palate: Rich dark chocolate, sherry-soaked dried fruits, treacle toffee, and deep coffee tones
Finish: Long, evolving, and deeply satisfying

A landmark in whisky history

The Glenfarclas 70-Year-Old is more than a rare single malt — it is a historic artefact of Scotch whisky tradition. Representing the pinnacle of Glenfarclas’ Warehouse Series, this release offers collectors and connoisseurs a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of living whisky heritage. Set to be distributed in over 50 global markets from June 2025, it underscores Glenfarclas’ enduring commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship, and family legacy.

About the author

Spiritory Team

Spiritory is a team of dedicated Whisky, Rum and Spirits Enthusiast. Our passion for the product, craftmanship and art of producing the finest spirits in the world will be represented in every article we write on our blog-page. Our goal is to produce content which is interesting to read and for a broad base of consumers, enthusiasts, investors and collectors.