This remarkable Speyside release blends 50 years of whisky making in a single malt

Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 09:31

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How do you capture nearly 200 years of whisky history in a single bottle? Glenfarclas makes a remarkable attempt with the new Glenfarclas 190 whisky. For this exclusive single malt, no fewer than 78 casks from five different decades were brought together. The result is a whisky that lets the distillery’s history trickle into your glass, drop by drop.

Glenfarclas 190 has been released to celebrate the Scotch distillery’s 190th anniversary. It’s the final chapter of the Anniversary Trilogy, following the Glenfarclas 175 and Glenfarclas 185.

78 Speyside casks from five decades

The whisky blends not only liquids from different decades, but also distinct house styles from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and 2000s. Distillery manager Callum Fraser and managing director Douglas Belford combed through the vast stock of casks in the Glenfarclas warehouses. In the end, they hand-selected 78 different casks.

The whisky in these casks spans five decades and thus various ages. As a result, Glenfarclas 190 carries aromas and flavors from multiple eras of the distillery.

According to Fraser, casks from the 1970s contribute predominantly fruity notes. Whisky from the 1980s and 1990s delivers the renowned rich sherry influence of Glenfarclas. The casks from the 2000s add toffee and caramel tones.

What does Glenfarclas 190 taste like?

Official tasting notes describe Glenfarclas 190 as full-bodied, smooth, and velvety. Expect green apples, sherry, spiced Christmas cake, dark chocolate, and fresh tobacco. See the full tasting notes below:

Nose: Green apples, rich sherry notes, toffee and caramel, with a gentle spice.
Palate: Full, soft and velvety with sherry sweetness, spiced Christmas cake, ripe fruit and dark chocolate.
Finish: Long and warming, with dark chocolate, fresh tobacco and lingering spice.

The anniversary bottling is filled at 51.4% ABV. That figure isn’t arbitrary: it corresponds to 90 British proof, the old UK system once used to state alcohol strength.

Glenfarclas used this system during the first 154 years of its existence, making the ABV a direct nod to the distillery’s long history.

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Only 15,000 bottles available

Worldwide, just 15,000 bottles of Glenfarclas 190 will be released. The recommended price in the United Kingdom is £95. Sales begin in August 2026 in the UK and select international markets.

Let us know what you think of this release and whether you’d like to raise a dram of this whisky to your lips.

Want to read more about Glenfarclas? You can on this page.

FAQ

Where is the Glenfarclas distillery located?
Glenfarclas is a Speyside Scotch whisky distillery. This family-run producer has been making single malt since 1836 and is especially known for its rich sherry character.
What makes Glenfarclas 190 special?
Glenfarclas 190 is a marriage of 78 casks spanning five different decades, bringing fruity, spicy, sherried and sweet flavors together in one bottle.
How many bottles of Glenfarclas 190 will be released?
Worldwide, 15,000 bottles will be available. The whisky is bottled at 51.4% ABV and launches from August 2026.