Glenfarclas 105 Whisky Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenfarclas Distillery, an independent distillery.
Type: Single malt whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Matured in sherry casks, emphasizing a strong sherry influence.
Age Statement: Bottles with and without a 10-year age statement exist due to varying demand and supply.
Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the uncolored nature suggests a natural appearance influenced by sherry cask maturation.
Bottle Design: Full liter bottle, larger than the typical 0.7 or 0.75-liter bottles, with a design that may include information about age on the tube rather than the bottle itself.

Balance of Flavors: Described as intense, balanced, with a dominant sherry aroma. The addition of water brings out caramel, vanilla, and reduces the intensity of alcohol.
Unique Characteristics: Noted for its cask strength (60% ABV), which is higher than the traditional 100 proof. The flavor profile includes oakiness, apples, sweetness, vanilla, caramel, and a dry, oaky edge with dark chocolate.
Comparison: The younger Glenfarclas expressions are considered to have too much oakiness, whereas the older ones (15, 17, 21 years) are smoother and less bitter.

Historical Anecdote: The Glenfarclas 105 was first bottled in 1968 by George S. Grant as a Christmas gift for family and friends, marking it as the world's first commercially available cask strength whisky.
Production Insight: The whisky is a blend of various casks to maintain a consistent strength of 60% ABV without dilution, showcasing a unique approach to achieving cask strength.

Distillery Independence: Glenfarclas is highlighted as a small and independent distillery, which may contribute to its unique character and production choices.
Historical Proof System: The explanation of the British proof system and its comparison to the U.S. proof system provides insight into historical alcohol measurement practices.

Horst Luening's Opinion: He prefers Glenfarclas whiskies aged above 15 years due to their smoother oakiness. He also notes the Glenfarclas 105 as a "wonderful value for the money" and "definitely a buy."
Quote: "Intense, oakeness, powerful, not too alcoholic... wonderful, balanced, intense whiskey."

Glenfarclas 105 is a cask strength, sherry cask matured single malt whisky from an independent distillery.
It offers a rich, intense flavor profile with dominant sherry notes, balanced by sweetness, vanilla, and caramel.
The whisky has historical significance as the first commercially available cask strength whisky, created as a unique Christmas gift.
Expert opinions commend its value for money and recommend it for those who appreciate a strong, sherry-influenced whisky.

Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Individuals who enjoy the rich, fruity, and spicy notes typical of sherry cask maturation.
Cask Strength Whisky Lovers: Those who prefer the intensity and complexity of cask strength whiskies.
Value Seekers: Whisky enthusiasts looking for high-quality expressions at a more accessible price point.
Experienced Drinkers: Given its high ABV and complex flavor profile, more experienced whisky drinkers might appreciate it more fully, especially when exploring the nuances of adding water.