Glenfarclas '105'

@Pandemonium, thanks for your review. Your appraisal of Glenfarclas 105 is similar to my own. I was disappointed when I first tasted Glenfarclas 105 because I did not find the quality of the flavours to be equal to those of the Glenfarclas 15 yo I have consumed.

Oddly, I've never yet bought a bottle of Glenfarclas 105. When I've gone to Cask Strength Sherry matured, I have thus far opted for Macallan Cask Strength, Amrut Intermediate Sherry, and Aberlour A'bunadh. When I think Glenfarclas, my taste preference goes to the 15 yo over the 105, despite the very meritorious intensity of the 60% ABV version. So I never thought that I "needed" a bottle of Glenfarclas 105 over the other options,...not that I wouldn't enjoy having and drinking a bottle of it. It is probably just a matter of time before I do buy some.

@Victor Thanks, I generally buy the Glenfarclas 105, because is cheaper than dirt. At least it is on some Dutch and German websites: for this 1l bottle I payed €28. Making it probably the best priced quality single malt available in the Lowlands. All in all it's just value for your money and an easy after-work whisky. Sometimes you don't need a three-course meal, but a hearty pan fried steak will do when your tired. And that's when the 105 comes in.

@Pandemonium, that is a hell of a price you are getting the Glenfarclas 105 for. I would have long ago bought Glenfarclas 105, if I could buy it at the prices you have been paying. Prices for it here are about 2.64 times your price, at $82.18. We have very low malt prices on many items here, but not on Glenfarclas 105.

Of note, until recently the 105 carried a 10 YO age statement. The newer batches are now NAS. A shame really.

I don't really care about the NAS label for the 105. The whisky thrives on its short maturation in a fresh cask sticky from the sherry. So its always going to be a very young whisky. And I can imagine that a 105 with an 8yo or a 9yo statement on their label would sell significantly less within the target audience

I've heard the 105 20 YO was fantastic. I think less maturation may impact on the quality. it is powerful, but was borderline alcohol burn and rough when I reviewed it.

Bladnoch 10 55%, a good A'Bunadh, Mac CS, glendronach CS will all overtake it if the quality slips...

Like Victor, I would buy Macallan CS over the GF 105, but that is no longer an option (fracking Macallan!!). I do prefer it to Abunadh, though, so it is my sherry monster of choice. I've heard that they say it is still 9-10 YO casks in it, so not much change from the old 10, and the taste doesn't seem to have changed. I do use a lot more water with this one compared to everything else to cut both the alcohol burn and the intense sherry flavor. It really blossoms with some air time, so I usually let it set for several months after opening. I do the same for Dalmore 15, and it gets really good after 6-9 months.