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.
A strong,smooth,full flavoured dram and great bang for yer buck indeed!
At last, a whisky that achieves the ideals of the non age statement philosophy. Glenfarclas 105 is a dram that runneth over with youthful vitality without the rough edges, bitter aftertaste and general juvenile delinquency you normally get with NAS whiskies. At cask strength (60% ABV), you need to add water to this to unlock the aromas and flavours. I usually dilute it down to about 50% ABV and then adjust according to taste. On nosing, you are clobbered over the head with an oak log. There's a noisy symphony of vanilla, cardamon and raisins. On the tongue, it's no less intense, with the heady sweetness of Christmas cake, gingerbread and a touch of bittersweet dark chocolate. The finish is dry and spicy with cinnamon, mace and cloves. The body is incredibly rich and at times you almost feel like you're chewing on the whisky. Glenfarclas 105 has changed my view on NAS whiskies. Call me crazy, but I actually prefer this bottling to the 15 year old, which tasted a little stuffy and geriatric in comparison. By using properly aged spirit (at least 8 years old according to rumours) and good quality casks, Glenfarclas has knocked it out of the park with the 105.
I wanted to like this. I really did. I love Glenfarclas 12. And I'm not put off by cask strength whisky either. In fact, I very much like strong whiskies. Sure, I think you need to add some water to this one. But when I added enough water to make it pleasant, it lost most of the flavors I love about the 12 year old. There's no malty subtlety. There's not the same sherry notes. There is a family resemblance. That is clear. But, ultimately, it's just a strong young whisky that isn't what it first appears to be.
96/100
First tried this in 1987 in The Blossoms, Chester. They had a menu of whiskeys and this was 60% thought I would give it a try. Left on the table before I had a sip, my wife said what a lovely aroma, that's the whiskey. Upon tasting the whiskey it tasted so smooth, then hit further down and a warmth came up and left me a glow. My favorite since that day
