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.
Tried this quite recently and got these notes: Nose: Sharp alcohol, oakiness, some sherry Palate: Opens with sherry(not as intense as the 12yo), oakiness, dried fruits, apples and hints of vanilla Finish: Long finish with lingering bitter metallic woodsiness (am i only getting this?)
Being a huge fan of Glenfarclas, I am constantly disappoint when I go back to my bottle if 105 and try with it again. Even with lots of water it lacks the distinctive taste of the famous Spayside malt. Predominately petroleum, greasy and overpowering. I can get brief sherry notes and some sweet taste at the end. Sorry if you like this malt, but I think its horrible.
not a review, but an answer to the question below. It's always 60% because it is a mix of barrels that evens out to 60%. source: https://scotchnoob.com/2017/04/03/glenfarclas-105-cask-strength/
Love it, but have a question. If it really is "Cask Strength", how can they manage to make it exactly 60% year after year. And become exactly 60% after being kept on different barrels up to 8-10 years? Other brands and ranges that come out in "Cask Strength" often vary from year to year, and can be 58.3%, 61%, 60.5% etc. Is this a vatted malt, a single cask, a mix of different barrels from different years? And how can it be exactly 60% every time? :)
I guess we all have very different ideas about what a sherry bomb is. This certainly has some sherry However I would hardly call it a sherry bomb. The whiskey is very young but it is reasonable nonetheless
