Glenfarclas 105
Glenfarclas · Speyside, Scotland
"The original cask-strength Scotch — and still the benchmark."
DL SCORE
Before 'cask strength' became a marketing buzzword, Glenfarclas was bottling at natural strength for the serious drinker. The 105 — named for its old proof rating — is a sherry-bomb of extraordinary richness that punches so far above its price point it borders on criminal. Add water, or don't. Either way, you win.
Tasting Notes
👃 Nose
👅 Palate
🔥 Finish
The Distillery
Glenfarclas has been family-owned by the Grant family since 1865 — six generations and counting, making it one of the last truly independent distilleries in Scotland. Nestled beneath Ben Rinnes in Speyside, the distillery runs the largest pot stills in the region, producing a spirit of uncommon weight and density. Their refusal to sell to a conglomerate is the stuff of whisky legend.
How It's Made
Distilled in direct-fired copper pot stills — a rarity in modern Scotch production — and matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry butts sourced from Jerez, Spain. The 105 is bottled without chill-filtration or colouring at a consistent 60% ABV, preserving every molecule of flavour the cask has to offer.
"The 105 is the whisky that converts wine lovers. That sherry influence is so complete, so generous — it speaks a language they already know."
— Dram Lover Editorial
Food Pairings
◆ FUN FACT
The '105' refers to the old British proof system — 105° proof equals 60% ABV. Glenfarclas has been bottling at this strength since 1968, making it the original cask-strength Scotch.
The Verdict
An absolute must-own bottle. At this price, with this quality of sherry influence and this level of complexity, Glenfarclas 105 is one of the greatest value propositions in all of whisky.