Uncorking our latest collaboration with heritage whisky distillery Glenfarclas

Whisky practically runs through the veins of John L.S. Grant, chairman of Scottish distillery Glenfarclas . The family-run whisky distillery has been crafting the spirit since the 1800s, and its name is synonymous with heritage, passion, and craftsmanship – making it a natural fit as our newest partner. 

Together with Glenfarclas, we’ve created the limited-edition Cathay x Glenfarclas cask strength highland single malt whisky, available exclusively for inflight purchase on selected Cathay Pacific flights. This whisky is a special cask strength version of the classic Glenfarclas 15-year-old offering, aged in Oloroso sherry barrels and distilled over live fire. 

“As someone with strong Scottish heritage, I’m excited about our partnership with Glenfarclas,” says Paul Smitton, Cathay Director Customer Lifestyle. 

“This distillery in the highlands of Scotland has a wonderful tradition dating back over 150 years, and more importantly has a reputation for very high quality,” he says. “We’re launching this Cathay Whisky on our 78th birthday – and just like a fine whisky, we're proud of our longevity and heritage.” 

The bottle is designed to honour Cathay and Glenfarclas’ combined pedigrees; its green label nods both to our signature jade hue and the emerald landscape of Speyside, from where Glenfarclas hails. Look a little closer, you’ll also spot references to malt grain and a stamp in the shape of an aircraft engine on the box, a symbol of our roots in aviation and our shared drive to move beyond the expected. 

Glenfarclas family member and distiller Duncan Grant says the company’s 15-year-old whisky is “quintessential Glenfarclas”.  

“The distinctive taste of Glenfarclas is Christmas cake in a glass,” he says, describing the flavour profile as consisting of “rich dark fruit and chocolate notes, with just a hint of sweetness from the sherry casks” – all of which you’ll find in our bottles.

What sets our limited whisky apart from Glenfarclas’ other 15-year-old offerings, however, is the 59 per cent cask strength. Our whisky is bottled directly from the cask without any dilution, making it a rare addition to any collector’s cabinet. 

How to make a heritage whisky

Glenfarclas distinguishes itself as a brand committed to upholding traditional whisky processes to deliver the perfect dram. It’s this approach that has earned the company its respected status as the oldest distillery in constant operation owned by a single family. 

When it comes to the approach, Glenfarclas stays close to its roots. “Being from a historically Speyside region, we always mature in sherry casks,” says Ian McWilliam, Marketing Executive at J&G Grant Glenfarclas. 

“It gives those big character notes – your chocolates, your butterscotch toffees, that real dark colour as well.” While other companies may add artificial colouring to achieve a lush dark hue, McWilliam stresses at Glenfarclas it’s all “natural”.  

Then there’s the live fire element, where stills are run over gas flames, adding an extra layer of richness. Duncan says, “We must be one of, if not the last distillery, in Scotland to solely use direct fire. The real unique thing is it burns the spirit onto the side of the still, so that’s where you get caramelisation.”

"There are ‘rummagers’, bits of chain turning around and constantly scraping the edges of the still,” he explains. “Think of cooking in a pan – you have to keep turning it to stop it from sticking and burning through. It really changes the flavour profile.” 

A perfect pairing

Like Cathay, Glenfarclas is dedicated to moving standards forwards: they prioritise the craftsmanship, core values and excellence that customers have come to expect of them. 

“What’s the most expensive way to make whisky? Live fire,” says Duncan. “But as a family business, we’ve decided it’s about quality, not quantity. It's about our brand, our reputation.” he says. And when it comes to partnering with us, that’s all the more important.  

“If you’re putting your name on one of our bottles, we want it to be associated with a company we’re proud to partner with. Cathay is a premium lifestyle travel brand; we’re a premium whisky company,” says Duncan. “It’s a good fit.” 

And given that we strive to provide the very best shopping, dining and lifestyle experiences to our customers, we’re inclined to agree.  

The Cathay x Glenfarclas whisky is exclusively available in limited stock for inflight purchase on selected Cathay Pacific flights. Please check with our cabin crew for more details when you board. Discover more about this offering here.