Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:20 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the distinctions between Glenfarclas 15 and Glenfarclas 17 in this direct comparison, helping you decide which Single Malt best suits your preferences!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Glenfarclas 15 vs Glenfarclas 17: Comparison
Glenfarclas 15: A single malt Scotch with a smooth, sherry influence. Aged in ex-oloroso casks, it combines honey, vanilla, and dried fruits, leading to a satisfying medium finish with hints of oak and caramel. Ideal for enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering a well-balanced experience.
Glenfarclas 17: Offers a rich and fruity character, matured in sherry casks. Its flavor profile includes dark berries, plum, and a touch of spice, with an oily texture. The finish brings together malt, caramel, and oak. A delightful choice for those appreciating a deeper, yet accessible whisky.
Verdict: Both Glenfarclas 15 and Glenfarclas 17 stand as testament to the craftsmanship of sherry cask maturation, each providing a distinct and enjoyable sipping experience, catering to a wide range of whisky enthusiasts, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Glenfarclas Whiskies
Glenfarclas 15: A Sweet and Simple Sherry-Influenced Malt
- Nose: Sherry, honey, vanilla, caramel
- Palate: Dried fruit, vanilla, raisin, walnuts, honey, oak spice
- Finish: Medium, oak, vanilla, caramel
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenfarclas 105
Glenfarclas 15 is a single malt Scotch whisky known for its classic sherry-aged profile and smooth drinkability, making it a good choice for both new and experienced whisky drinkers.
Here’s a breakdown of its taste profile:
- Nose: Strong sherry notes with hints of honey, vanilla, and caramel.
- Palate: Smooth and oily texture with flavors of dried fruits, vanilla, raisins, walnuts, and a touch of oak spice.
- Finish: Medium length, featuring vanilla and caramel with a slightly bitter aftertaste and a pleasant warmth.
What to expect:
- Straightforward and sweet: Glenfarclas 15 offers a classic sherry-aged taste profile without overwhelming complexity, making it a good entry point for beginners.
- Pleasant and enjoyable: While not the most intricate whisky, it delivers a satisfying combination of sweet and spicy notes, making it a good everyday dram.
- Good value: Compared to other 15-year-old whiskies, Glenfarclas 15 offers a decent balance of quality and price.
Additional details:
- Aged in European oak ex-oloroso sherry casks, primarily first and second fill, contributing to its signature sherry character.
Overall, Glenfarclas 15 is a reliable and approachable single malt, offering a sweet and smooth sherry-influenced experience. If you’re looking for a well-rounded and easy-drinking whisky, this could be a good choice for you.
Glenfarclas 17: A Delightful Sherry-Cask Aged Single Malt
- Nose: Dark fruit, banana, pineapple, baking spice
- Palate: Dark berries, plum, apricot, walnut, oak
- Finish: Medium, malt, caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenfarclas 21
Glenfarclas 17 is a single malt Scotch whisky known for its rich, fruity character and smooth drinkability, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced whisky drinkers.
Here’s a look at its taste profile:
- Nose: Offers enticing notes of dark fruits, like banana, pineapple, and baking spice.
- Palate: Feels oily and delivers flavors of dark berries, plum, apricot, walnut, and oak.
- Finish: Medium-length, with hints of malt, caramel, oak spice, and a pleasant warmth.
What makes it stand out:
- Simple and smooth: Glenfarclas 17 offers a straightforward and enjoyable drinking experience, making it a great starting point for those new to whisky.
- Rich and nuanced: While not overly complex, it presents a pleasing combination of dark fruit, spice, and nutty notes, offering more depth than typical 12-year-old Speyside whiskies.
- Good value: Compared to some 18-year-old whiskies, Glenfarclas 17 provides a good balance of quality and price.
Additional details:
- Aged in ex-oloroso sherry casks, influencing its rich flavor profile.
- Awarded Silver at the 2019 International Spirits Challenge.
Overall, Glenfarclas 17 is a delightful and approachable single malt whisky perfect for those seeking a smooth and fruity dram.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glenfarclas 15 | $80 |
| Glenfarclas 17 | $120 |