Glenfarclas has a big tradition of maturing whisky in sherry casks, and the Glenfarclas 105 is one of the current corner stones of this tradition. It was introduced in 1968 and the first commercially available cask strength bottling. 105 means 5 over proof which is 60% alcohol.
A limited, 40 years old version of the 105 is currently available as well. It scores 96 points in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and was chosen the single malt of the year in the 40+ category. Unfortunately the retail price is £ 550 so we’ll have to do with the regular 105.
Glenfarclas 105 (60%, OB 2007)
This looks like liquid bronze if you see the colour. Nose: intense oloroso sherry with some toffee flavours. Red fruits, apples and grapes. After warming up, it gets ‘darker’ and meatier.
Mouth: the sherry again, honey and dark sugar. Raisins. Lots of spicy stuff as well (chili, ginger). There’s liquorice, pear and milk chocolate in the finish. Becomes oakier and much drier.
This whisky has some really intense flavours. Together with the alcohol volume, I’m sure it won’t be appreciated by everyone. For me though, this is a very satisfying and balanced. It’s one of the bottes that I take from the shelf most often.
Around € 45 for a 1 litre bottle.
Score: 86/100.