FEATURE ARTICLE
Glenfarclas – A family affair Glenfarclas is a special distillery and holds a special place in many people’s hearts – and particularly the Society’s. So what is it about the distillery that makes Glenfarclas unique? Let’s explore…
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irst and foremost, Glenfarclas is a family-owned distillery. That might not seem like much on the surface, but it’s a key feature that drives almost everything about the distillery. By comparison, the vast majority of distilleries are owned by huge multi-nationals or private consortiums. Many distilleries are just one in a portfolio featuring several other whisky distilleries and/or brands, all owned by the controlling company. The two best examples of the current state of play in the Scotch whisky world are Diageo and Pernod Ricard. Diageo owns 28 malt whisky distilleries, a number of grain distilleries, and owns brands like Johnnie Walker, Bells, J&B Rare, etc. Pernod Ricard owns 13 malt distilleries, two grain distilleries, and brands like Chivas Regal and Ballantines. In contrast, Glenfarclas is one of only three distilleries from the 19th century that still remain in family hands. Glenfarclas was officially founded in 1836 by Robert Hay, being part of Rechlerich Farm. (I say officially, as there is evidence of distilling at the farm from 1791.) The distillery is near Marypark, in the heart of Speyside, with neighbours such as Benrinnes, Cragganmore, Aberlour, and Macallan not too far away. The farm was sold to John Grant in 1865, and both
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