Glenfarclas 1999

The label just states a maturation in a 'sherry butt'. The colour and taste clearly indicate this a refill butt, maybe even a 3rd or 4th fill butt as Glenfarclas sometimes states on family casks. Such casks can result in gorgeous drams from this distillery, is this again the case here? Not particularly. The nose is bit shy, and the palate is a bit difficult. It starts to shine on the finish nevertheless, revealing the refined 'herbal oiliness' I enjoy in these kind of Glenfarclasses. Taking everything in account It though it is quite underwhelming for a € 350 whisky. I tried this one in a lineup with other vintages of the S22 release of Glenfarclas family casks (1991, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2005); this 1999 came in last, although by a very small margin. Glenfarclas gave its S22 release yet another price hike after they already pumped up the prices for the S21 release. Prices almost doubled for some vintages comparing it to the S20 release! Price quality ratio is definitely too much off now, especially with average bottlings like this one. They are set to collect dust on the shelves for the coming years. I will not be bothered anymore for the S23 or upcoming S24 release, which is a pity since I enjoyed many great family casks in the past.