Cadenheads Glenfarclas 20yo Authentic Collection August 2023 & Cadenheads An Undisclosed Distillery 5yo (Rye) Authentic Collection August 2023

Cadenheads Glenfarclas 20yo Authentic Collection August 2023

Region: Speyside

ABV: 51.8%

Price: £135.00

This 20yo Glenfarclas spent the entirety of its maturation in a bourbon hogshead.

Nose

On the nose we’re getting peaches, pears, porridge oats and a little orange juice. Going back after air reveals lemon and lime cordial with a hint of black pepper spice. There’s also a very faint hint of raspberries, green apple and icing sugar. It’s got a pleasant nose, but we’re not blown away by it.

Palate

While it’s only 51.8% we’re still finding it’s a touch spicy for us. Pushing past the spice and there’s raw cinnamon sticks, melon, digestive biscuits, raspberries, and ginger spice on a good length finish with some green fruits (chopped apples) also lingering. Going back there’s some simple syrup, and aspertame. It’s got a good mouthfeel with a little oiliness to it.

Nose (with water)

With dilution there’s caramel, golden syrup, oat biscuits and sugar syrup. Most of the fruit sweetness has dissipated, leaving the nose a little one dimensional.

Palate (with water)

The reduced mouthfeel remains good and the spice is now better balanced. There’s more sweetness here, but like the nose it’s mostly synthetic. Saying that there’s still some orange peel and lime. The palate has benefited from water, but not enough to compensate for the reduced nose.

Conclusion

We can’t really say anything negative about this, it’s a solid dram if a bit uninteresting. We’re passing on buying this as we doubt we’ll remember trying this tomorrow. 

Score: 6/10

Value

It’s a good price for a 20yo Glenfarclas.

Cadenheads An Undisclosed Distillery 5yo (Rye) Authentic Collection August 2023

Region: USA

ABV: 55.0%

Price: £45.00

This 5yo rye was matured fully in an oak barrel.

Nose

We’re getting notes of juniper, mint polos, menthol, cloves and cola. This is a dram that benefits from air and after a little time in the glass there’s also some varnish, peppercorns and caramel. it’s a little funky compared to other rye whiskies we’ve nosed, but we don’t hate it.

Palate

On the palate there’s more of that menthol, honey, and thyme. The cola also carries through to the palate. It’s an easy drinker there’s a hint of spice here (pepper), but it’s pleasantly warming. Good length finish and mouthfeel. Going back there Lockets honey and lemon, brown sugar and orange juice. The official notes mention old fashioned and we’re definitely using this for it.

Nose (with water)

Reduction brings out more of that juniper, orange peel, old spice and lemon. There’s also more spice here. The menthol and other “rye” notes are still here, but they’re a little subdued.

Palate (with water)

Water has brought out cinnamon spice, caramelised brown sugar, and gingerbread. Personally we think a few drops water has opened this up a little and would recommend adding some. The mouthfeel remains good, as does the finish.

Conclusion

It’s a tasty dram, but some of us wouldn’t have guessed this was a rye or the ABV. This is a really enjoyable sipper or would be great in a cocktail. As we said it’s a little funky for a rye, but still very good. We preferred the previous undisclosed rye release but this is still a 7.5.

Score: 7.5/10

Value

Everyone should be buying Cadenhead’s American whiskies they’re underrated and reasonably priced.

• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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