1. The Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength
The Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength (CS) is a renowned whisky that boasts a 1-liter capacity and a high alcohol content of 60%. The ample volume and strength provide a reassuring sense of satisfaction upon purchase. The Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength is labeled as a NAS (No Age Statement) version, with an estimated aging period of about 8 to 10 years.
The “105” in its name refers to its alcohol proof, which is expressed differently in North America and the UK. In North America, the proof is calculated by dividing the alcohol content by 2, whereas in the UK, it is divided by 1.75. Since Glenfarclas is a distillery based in Scotland, the 105 proof refers to the British system, resulting in an alcohol content of 60%, which is quite strong.
The term CS, which stands for Cask Strength, indicates that this whisky is bottled directly from the cask without any water added, though blending with other cask strengths is possible. While single barrel or single cask whiskies come from a single oak cask and may have water added, both cask strength and single barrel versions maintain a consistent alcohol content. However, if a whisky combines both single barrel and cask strength traits, the alcohol content can vary between products.
The Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength offers whisky enthusiasts a robust and pure experience, reflecting the distillery’s commitment to quality and tradition. This product stands out in the whisky world for its strength, aging process, and the undiluted character of cask strength bottling.
The Glenfarclas
1) The Glenfarclas Story
Glenfarclas, a name derived from Gaelic meaning “valley of the green grass,” is a whisky distillery located in the Speyside region, renowned for its pastoral landscapes. It boasts one of the largest capacities in the area, with six stills all powered by gas burners.
The distillery has been producing whisky since 1791 and obtained its distilling license in 1836. Since 1865, it has been operated by the Grant family, now in its fifth generation. The distillery faced significant challenges at the end of the 1890s when its then-partner, Pattisons, went bankrupt. Since then, Glenfarclas has adopted a policy of not selling bulk whisky for blends under the condition that the Glenfarclas name is not used by independent bottlers.
In 1968, Glenfarclas released the world’s first cask strength whisky, the Glenfarclas 105. The distillery’s independence and refusal to collaborate or be acquired have allowed it to amass a significant stock of aged whisky.
Glenfarclas is famous for its sherry cask-aged whiskies, earning the nickname “sherry monster” due to the rich, reddish hue of its whisky. The distillery sources its sherry casks from Bodegas Miguel Martin in Spain, using casks that have been refilled up to four times.
The Glenfarclas product line includes age statements of 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 21, 25, 30, 40, and 60 years, along with the Family Cask series which offers vintage releases from 1952 onwards. TThe Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength is the sole NAS (No Age Statement) product in its lineup, standing out for its robust flavor and cask strength potency.
2) Tasting Notes
The Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength displays a slightly brass-like color, and it has a substantial presence of legs, indicating its rich texture.
On the nose, it presents a very intense aroma, with notes of plums or raisins and a sweet scent reminiscent of honey. The raisins seem to have been expressed as being steeped in rich sherry in the tasting notes. There’s no detectable smoky coffee aroma, and the high alcohol content gives a noticeable sting to the nose.
The taste is surprisingly smooth for its high alcohol content, and the initial impression is not as spicy as one might expect. If you let it linger in your mouth without swallowing, the flavors of raisins and a nuttiness pass before a late arrival of alcohol’s warmth and spiciness. It feels somewhat oily, and there’s a warmth that extends down to the stomach.
The finish is quite long, carrying forward the fiery sensation and the sweetness experienced in the taste.
I tried the Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength as a highball, using a ratio of 5 parts soda water to 1 part whisky.
While the flavor does dilute somewhat, the essential character remains unchanged, making it well-suited for a highball. Due to its high alcohol content, even a small amount of whisky is sufficient to enjoy its flavors fully. Indeed, a highball is a refreshing choice for summer, allowing for a cool and enjoyable drink.
3) Product Information
Product Name: The Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength
Type of Food: Whisky
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Manufacturer: J&G GRANT
Volume: 1000ml
Alcohol Content: 60%
Ingredients: 100% Whisky
3. Overall Review
The Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength is a quite impressive product. Drinking it neat offers a delightful variety of flavors that please the palate. Being a sherry cask strength version, it often draws comparisons with other whiskies such as GlenAllachie 10 Cask Strength and Aberlour A’bunadh, which have not been tasted yet. It comes highly recommended for those who enjoy a robust sherry influence.