🥃 The Glenfarclas 1988 (Rare & Hard to Find)
The Glenfarclas 1988 is a single malt Scotch whisky distilled in 1988, now highly prized by collectors for its age, rarity, and vintage character. As part of Glenfarclas’ long history of family-owned Speyside whiskies, this bottling showcases the distillery’s mastery of sherry cask maturation and traditional production techniques from the late 20th century. Bottles from this vintage are scarce, making them sought-after treasures for enthusiasts and investors alike.
⭐ Features & Details
Brand: Glenfarclas
Expression: 1988 Vintage
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Region / Origin: Speyside, Scotland
ABV: Typically 43%–46% (may vary by bottling)
Bottle Size: Commonly 700 ml / 70 cl
Maturation / Cask Details: Matured in Oloroso sherry casks for multiple decades, allowing rich fruit, spice, and oak integration.
Status: Rare and collectible; vintage bottlings like this are hard to find and often sold through specialized auctions or private collections.
👃 Tasting Notes
Nose: Rich sherry aromas with dried fruits (raisins, figs, apricots), dark chocolate, polished oak, and hints of nuts and spices.
Palate: Full-bodied and smooth; layers of fruitcake, malt, toffee, roasted nuts, and sherry sweetness evolve elegantly.
Finish: Long and warming with lingering oak, spice, and dried fruit notes that highlight decades of maturation.
🧭 Independent Review Highlights
- Highly regarded for its vintage character and balance between fruit, spice, and oak.
- Collectors value it for its limited availability and the authenticity of Glenfarclas’ late-1980s style.
- Seen as a benchmark example of long-matured Speyside sherry cask whisky from the period.
- Often noted that the older 1988 bottles have a softer, richer mouthfeel compared to younger expressions.
💎 Presentation & Collectibility
Ideal For:
Collectors, investors, and enthusiasts of vintage Speyside single malts; anyone seeking a rare, mature Glenfarclas whisky with historical significance.
Serving Suggestion:
Enjoy neat to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the vintage. A few drops of water may help open up fruit and oak aromas. Serve in a tulip or Glencairn glass for best results.
Collectible Notes:
Condition is crucial: intact seal, original label, and packaging enhance value. As a rare 1988 vintage, it is highly sought after and often considered an investment-worthy bottle. Its scarcity and historical provenance make it one of the more prized Glenfarclas releases for collectors of Speyside whisky.


