Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:21 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the differences between Aberlour A’Bunadh and Glenfarclas 105 in this thorough comparison to determine the superior Single Malt for your preferences!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Aberlour A’Bunadh vs Glenfarclas 105: Comparison
Aberlour A’Bunadh: Intensely sherry-kissed with caramel, dark chocolate, and spices. Creamy mouthfeel and a long, spice-rich finish. Cask strength adds warmth. Perfect for those seeking bold, full flavors.
Glenfarclas 105: Sherry-forward with figs, raisins, and a touch of leather. Rich palate with a warm, spicy, and slightly dry finish. Ideal for sherry cask whisky lovers who enjoy a robust dram.
Verdict: Both whiskies offer exceptional sherry cask experiences with high-proof and complex flavors. Aberlour A’Bunadh leans towards a more caramel and baking spice profile, while Glenfarclas 105 emphasizes dark fruit and honey. Each is a standout choice for enthusiasts of full-bodied, sherry-matured Scotch, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top High-Proof Scotches
Aberlour A’bunadh
- Nose: Caramel, brown sugar, fig, oak
- Palate: Chocolate, caramel, black pepper
- Finish: Long, oak spice, baking spice
- Alcohol content: 120 proof (60% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Aberlour A’bunadh Alba
Aberlour A’Bunadh: A Bold Sherry-Kissed Dram
The Aberlour A’Bunadh offers a captivating journey for whisky enthusiasts, particularly those seeking a bold and flavorful experience. Here’s a closer look:
Aromatic Delights:
- The aroma is dominated by rich caramel notes, complemented by subtle hints of brown sugar, fig, and oak. Notably, the alcohol scent is well-integrated, despite the high proof.
Tasting Experience:
- The first sip reveals a creamy mouthfeel, followed by a warming yet smooth sensation, characteristic of high-proof whiskies. The initial flavor profile features a warm, peppery note that gives way to a delightful blend of dark chocolate, caramel, and baking spices, creating a complex and evolving experience.
A Lingering Impression:
- The finish is long and warmly satisfying, leaving behind lingering notes of oak and baking spices, ensuring a memorable conclusion.
A Bold Choice:
- Aberlour A’Bunadh is a bold expression, making it a favorite among seasoned whisky enthusiasts who appreciate robust and flavorful drams.
Value and Recommendation:
- Despite its higher proof, the A’Bunadh delivers a smooth and rich experience, offering remarkable value for its price.
For the Adventurous Palate:
- If you’re seeking a flavorful and bold Scotch with depth and character, the A’Bunadh is a fantastic addition to your whisky exploration.
Additional Notes:
- Meaning “original” in Gaelic, A’Bunadh aims to mirror the style of Aberlour’s 19th-century whiskies.
- This expression is matured in Spanish oloroso sherry casks and bottled at cask strength, preserving its full and unadulterated flavor profile.
- The A’Bunadh is also unfiltered, further highlighting its natural character.
- Notably, it received high praise from Wine Enthusiast in 2011, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier whisky.
Glenfarclas 105: A Sherry Lover’s Delight
- Nose: Figs, raisins, dark fruit, leather, alcohol
- Palate: Sherry, figs, raisins, dark fruit, honey, baking spice
- Finish: Long, sherry, chocolate, baking spice
- Alcohol content: 120 proof (60% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenfarclas 15
The Glenfarclas 105 presents a bold and flavorful experience, making it a favorite among sherry cask whisky enthusiasts. Let’s delve into its characteristics:
Aromatic Delights:
- The initial aroma reveals a hint of alcohol that gradually unfolds to reveal enticing notes of figs, raisins, dark fruit, and a touch of aged leather, creating a complex and intriguing first impression.
Tasting Experience:
- The first sip offers a warm and smooth entry, followed by a rich and captivating flavor profile. Notes of sherry intertwine with figs, raisins, dark fruit, and honey, accentuated by a satisfying touch of baking spice, creating a delightful journey for the palate.
A Lingering Impression:
- The finish is slightly dry, leaving a lingering and pleasant bite characterized by lingering notes of sherry, chocolate, and additional baking spice, ensuring a memorable conclusion.
A Bold Expression:
- With its high alcohol strength, the Glenfarclas 105 offers a robust and flavorful profile. While the initial heat can be noticeable, it remains approachable, especially with a drop of water added to taste.
Award-Winning Dram:
- This expression has been recognized by industry experts, earning a place in Wine Enthusiast’s Top 5 Single Malt Scotches and being named “Best Bang For Your Buck” by Malt Maniacs.
Additional Notes:
- Aged in a combination of sherry and bourbon casks, the Glenfarclas 105 showcases the influence of both cask types, resulting in a complex and well-rounded profile.
- Notably, Glenfarclas holds the distinction of being the first distillery to release a cask strength single malt whisky in 1968, initially named Glenfarclas Overproof.
- The name was later changed to Glenfarclas 105 in the 1980s to reflect its alcohol strength of 60% ABV, equivalent to 105 British proof.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Aberlour A’Bunadh | $100 |
| Glenfarclas 105 | $100 |