Glenfarclas 105 is a superb cask strength whisky, with a history that can be traced to 1968. When the original incarnation was released that year, Glenfarclas became the first distillery to release a barrel proof single malt whisky.
The bottling was eventually re-named to 105, referring to its alcohol content in British Proof, which equates now to 60% ABV.
The 105 doesn't carry an age statement presently, making it rare among Glenfarclas bottlings. Although, there are suggestions that it is matured for 8-10 years in a combination of both ex-sherry and ex-bourbon barrels.
Drying, assertive and richly spiced, the 105 makes for a superb dram, one the Malt Maniacs rated as the best “Bang for your buck” whisky in 2004. Add a drop of water if you please to explore its depth - and don't be put off by that ABV, there's plenty of flavour here to enjoy.
Great depth, Sherry. Creamy and nutty. Honey on toast, touch of smoky coffee.
Silken, spicy and peppery oak. Almond, praline, hazelnut, dried peels, fruity. Touch of Armagnac, hint of rancio perhaps?
Long, peppery and nutty.
It's a fine single malt on it's own at cask strength. But, when most cask strength whisky's are (a lot) better than it's watered down sibling, this one falls short. I compared this one with a 12 year old Glenfarclas. To my surprise it tasted harsh. Even with a lot of water added. Also, the finish wasn't as smooth as the 12 year old and I tasted a light fungus like aroma. Not nice at all. Maybe a bad sample/cask? Not bad, but I would have the 12 year old over it any time!
This is an absolutely fantastic cask strentgh dram. Personally i think that it definitely needs a drop or two of water to get the best out of it. The sherried, nutty, dark chocolate works perfectly with the cask strength. It's like Christmas cake on steroids. I've just bought my third bottle of this, and i'm sure i'll be buying many more. Especially seeing that i am in the rather lucky position of being military based in Germany and paying 24 euros a litre for it. This is probably in my top five of all malts. I'm normally a sucker for peat and smoke, but this... this is an absolute beauty.
I'm Scottish, but live overseas and I've started running single malt tasting sessions here, usually for a multinational group of about 10 - 12 beginners. We try a few different whiskies (a mixed bag of 6 or 7 or so) and judge them on what we personally think of them (rather than what anyone else here, on MoM may have said). This one is always a guaranteed favourite and, in fact, I've had people who, once they've taken this one, say they don't want to try anything else! This is outstanding value for money and, based on my experience, one that you absolutely must have in your collection.
Very Rich. Very Fruity. Big on Sherry. Hold it in the front of your mouth and roll around and the flavours will develop wonderfully. So much more depth than supermarket single malts. Wonderful neat or knocked down a bit with a drop of water. A must try for anybody who likes lighter Speysides like Balvenie Signature. I thought that was a good whisky, until trying this alongside Aberlour A'bunadh, you will struggle to go back to 40% once sampling cask strength. Aberlour A'bunadh is probably slightly better, a little more silky.
I am a fan of Glenfarclas distillery, but i've got to say that 105 is best they've got. Strong, deep, rich with flavours, but it is also stunningly smooth whisky for this alcohol caliber. A experience recommended.
