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Glenfarclas 10 Year and 105 Cask Strength

Posted by whiskeywench on

Glenfarclas isn’t a new brand to me. I’ve previously sampled their 12 Year and really enjoyed that expression (you can read the full review here on this platform, or through the link in my bio). Recently, I had the opportunity to try both their 10 Year and their 105 Cask Strength, so let’s talk about them.

Glenfarclas is a single malt Scotch distillery located in Ballindalloch, Scotland. The distillery has been family-owned for five generations, dating back to 1865. While Glenfarclas is technically considered a Speyside distillery, they proudly label their whisky as Highland Single Malt. Geographically, they sit within a sub-region of the Highlands and are permitted to market their whisky accordingly. As they state on their website, their goal is to produce the finest quality Highland Single Malt Scotch whisky using traditional Speyside methods.

Glenfarclas 10 Year | 40% ABV: Matured 100% in Oloroso Sherry Casks. On the nose, vanilla, spices and honey; Palate, lightly sweet, fruity, with vanilla and baking spices. Finish is light, sweet and spiced. A bottle runs around $60–$70.

Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength | 60% ABV: This whisky is a blend of 8- and 10-year-old casks drawn from ex-olorosso sherry casks. Nose, fruit and toffee; palate, sherry, spices, oak, cinnamon and chocolate; finish, warm and peppery. A bottle runs around $90-$120.

With the 10 Year, the influence of the Oloroso sherry casks is unmistakable. You get that sweetness and rich fruit, but it’s balanced nicely by baking spice notes like cinnamon and clove. I really enjoyed this one. The thing is, it’s not an overly complex whisky, and honestly, it doesn’t need to be. It’s light, easy-drinking, approachable, and very beginner-friendly. I also appreciate that it remains affordable.

Unlike the 10 Year, the 105 is bold, powerful, and unapologetically sherry-forward. You really need to enjoy sherried whiskies to fully appreciate this expression. While I’d happily reach for the 10 Year during the warmer months, the 105 feels like a fall and winter pour. It’s warming, full of cinnamon, spice, and rich flavors that I naturally associate with colder weather.

I know some people may push back on the price of the 105, but we’re talking about a cask-strength whisky bottled at 60% ABV. Let that sink in for a second. That’s a serious whisky, and considering that, I think it’s priced right where it should be, especially if you can find it closer to $90.

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed both whiskies. If you’re looking for something lighter, approachable, and easy to sip, the 10 Year is a great choice. If you want something bolder, richer, and packed with sherry influence, the 105 is worth trying.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend people to try it and make up their own minds.

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