Quick Dram : Glenfarclas 105

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Today i’m going to review one of my favorite drams : The Glenfarclas 105. I think this ‘Farclas was one of my first ever Glenfarclas expressions. When i first tried it i was overwhelmed by its sheer power and strength as i was not accustomed to Cask Strength Expressions. But after adding some water, and giving it a second shot, i came to love it. I have not tasted it in some time now, and it was a great experience to re-taste it after all those sherry drams that i came across recently. It’s an ace, to me anyways.  In addition to this ‘105 there is another very expensive version which is bottled at 105 proof but is aged 40 years. I would love to sample that version too, but because of budget problems (I think the 40 yo versions is about £490 – out there for us mere mortals). One day when i’m all filthy rich (or just win the lottery) i will post notes on the other 105 😉 until then, Here are my notes for this little gem :

Glenfarclas 105 , 60% (105 proof) 10 yo

Color: Amber Gold

Nose: dark thick fruits, mingled with toffee, coffee notes, some fruity sugary notes. this is big time sherry my friends, can’t get much higher than this sherry wise. the alcohol is also evident, as this one is pretty strong on the nose. a wee bit of water is essential in my view to open this little devil of a dram up. but we you do, get prepared for sherry heaven.

Palate: Big impact on the palate. Oily, thick, spicy sherry. coats every single taste bud and blows you away. Wham! very powerful stuff, starting with sweet sultanas dipped in honey and liquor, then off to a spicy swirl and near the finish, prunes, dates, and dark chocolate mingled in a lovely mélange. Hey i can spot some chilly. this is major stuff. it’s quite smooth for the high ABV but it’s one powerful combination, that challenges your buds. win win win!  by KO.

if you’re drinking this in Israel, in summer make sure the A/C is running on full power, this little devil is bound to make u sweat.

Finish: Long, ending on dried fruit , wee touches of coffee and fruit, chilly spice and oak. i love this one.

Summing it all up:

Great all around sherry, in the great ‘Farclas way. thick, powerful and despite its alcohol volume , very drinkable. I suggest adding a few drops of water to make it a bit more approachable and let all those flavors come out.
for around £36 it’s an amazing deal, and what a value per quid. really the best bang for your buck you can get by a long stretch… go-go Glenfarclas. I must get  a new bottle to replace my almost gone now,  bottle.

Slainte!

7 thoughts on “Quick Dram : Glenfarclas 105

  1. Google it man.
    u are the SEO magician 😉
    anyways, well worth getting this dram my friend. no peat, but loads of Sherry goodness.

  2. I’m with you, Gal, I’d love to taste the 40 Year Old 105. However, at that price, it’s even tricky to get it into a society tasting (that’s when you know it’s expensive!). As for the price, it’s incredible in the UK and terrible in the US. At $90 a bottle in the US it’s been pushed out of the best bang for your buck conversation (replaced with Laphroaig 10 Year Old cask strength for $50 or $55 – depending on where you shop). Still an incredible dram, however.

  3. I'm with you, Gal, I'd love to taste the 40 Year Old 105. However, at that price, it's even tricky to get it into a society tasting (that's when you know it's expensive!). As for the price, it's incredible in the UK and terrible in the US. At $90 a bottle in the US it's been pushed out of the best bang for your buck conversation (replaced with Laphroaig 10 Year Old cask strength for $50 or $55 – depending on where you shop). Still an incredible dram, however.

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