To the Holy Ground of Glenfarclas: Where Direct-Fired Tradition Meets “Golgo 13”

2026.10.05

In short: memories of visiting Glenfarclas, the family-owned Speyside distillery — a fireplace-like pot still in the lobby, tasting in the Ship’s Room, and its rare direct-fired stills. Plus “Golgo 13” Label Whisky Glenfarclas 2009, a single cask chosen by Hideo Yamaoka to celebrate the manga’s record 201 volumes. By Mika Tanimoto, Bar Little Happiness, Hiroshima.

My memories of visiting Glenfarclas Distillery, a holy place of Speyside, a few years ago still come back vividly.

It truly was “a place where stories live.”

A warm space, etched in memory

The lobby, the moment I stepped in.

What first caught my eye was a pot still sculpture sitting there like a fireplace.

Beyond it, the whole wall was glass, with the garden spreading out like a panorama…

I will never forget that view, where warmth and openness lived side by side.

Am I the only one who felt that this fireplace-like pot still in the lobby symbolised “family gatherings and warmth”? (Glenfarclas is one of the now rare family-owned distilleries.)

Either way, it’s wonderful!!!!!

Going further in, there was a room with a gorgeous chandelier and heavy long tables and chairs neatly lined up.

Yes — the “Ship’s Room,” the pride of the historic visitor centre.

In that majestic space, slowly tasting amber whisky…

It was such a wonderful moment, as if the hands of the clock had stopped.

Where “professionals” meet

Precisely because it is a place so full of tradition and dignity, it must have been chosen as the stage to celebrate the achievement of that “super A-class sniper.”

“Golgo 13,” serialised since 1968 for over half a century, set a historic record with 201 volumes.

And what was chosen to honour that milestone was a Glenfarclas single cask!

Duke Togo’s professionalism — always finishing the job coldly and with unrivalled precision — seems to resonate deeply with Glenfarclas, which has stubbornly kept its traditions as a family business since its founding in 1836.

“Direct firing,” the backbone of tradition

What is essential at Glenfarclas is its commitment to “direct-fired distillation,” now a rarity.

If you pursue efficiency, switching to steam heating is the modern norm — but Glenfarclas deliberately sticks to labour-intensive direct firing.

Heating the pot stills directly with gas flames creates slight scorching at the bottom, which gives the spirit a powerful, rich and complex taste.

The commemorative bottle “Golgo 13 Label Whisky Glenfarclas 2009” is also a gem born of that traditional craft.

A special cask chosen by whisky critic Hideo Yamaoka, who praised it as “wonderful!” from among samples provided by sixth-generation owner George Grant.

Official tasting notes

Aroma

A beautifully balanced sherry-cask whisky aroma. Dried fruits such as dates and prunes, and fine chocolate. No woodiness — you want to keep smelling it forever.

Flavour

A little bitterness at first, but very smooth, with a pleasant finish. Chocolate cream puffs, a rich cake with dried fruit. With water, delicious stewed adzuki beans.

Every encounter is meant to be. Welcome to the world of Rum&Whisky.

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