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.
Was: £192.90Now: £191.90
First tried this about 45 years ago, when I thought it was sold as a 12 YO. Now it is bashful about it's age, was it not for a time sold as 8 YO, now silent on the topic. Some suggest still 8YO, others 10, please bring back the 12 YO, or perhaps even a 15, if it doesn't drive the price crazy.
great value, one of my go-tos
My first sip of this took me straight to Aberlour A'Bunadh. I have several batches of it and while it's not the same flavour profile, there's certain some aspects, in particular something of the sherry oaky bitterness in the finish that I find very reminiscent. A'Bunadh certainly is a lot more fruity, also sweeter, but they are both relatively young whiskeys and consequently deliver a very lively type of flavour. And of course that beautiful sherry influence is very evident in both. The is an extremely well crafted cask strength whisky. There is clearly a great deal of thought and experience behind it. I always add a little water to allow myself to experience the true character of it's flavour profile and I encourage leaving it for at least 10 minutes to allow it to settle and stabilise. Neat while having it's own unique flavour burns heavily of alcohol and tends to spoil the whole affair. I also must agree with previous reviewers, this is excellent value for money. My fist pick is A'Bunadh, I love the sweeter more fruity aspects and breadth of flavour in some of the batches, but certainly this wee beauty is a very close second on the cask strength list and I highly recommend trying both.
The 105 is my absolute best buy whisky. Considering that it is 1 liter at 60 percent ABV for around 32 euro´s in Holland, it´s just unbelievable. The 105 is not the most subtle nor complex, but it´s great depth and intense flavour profile makes it a great whisky. I like the combination of the big, sweet, but gentle arrival, followed by intense spicyness and some oak bitterness. Because you always need to add water, you always get a version that is slightly lighter or stronger than the one you had before. Th,is whisky does not get boring.
cask strength,needs water to open up. Nose : hazelnut,coffee,chocolat and a nice touch of pepper.On the pallet a very silky sweetness and a touch of oak.Seems to be a little bit of French cognac in the background.Drank this in 2014 for the first time.Bought another bottle last week,and this malt is still going strong.Must have aged in really good sherry butts or casks.Fantastic malt for a nice price.
