Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:24 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 Glenfarclas 15 and Glenfarclas 105 in this detailed analysis and determine which Single Malt suits you best!
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
Glenfarclas 15 vs Glenfarclas 105: Comparison
Glenfarclas 15: Sweet and smooth with sherry, honey, and vanilla leading to a medium finish of oak, vanilla, and caramel. Ideal for those new to single-malt scotch.
Glenfarclas 105: Bold, rich in sherry, figs, and dark fruit with a long, spicy chocolate finish. A full-bodied dram for enthusiasts of robust flavors.
Verdict: Glenfarclas 15 and Glenfarclas 105 each offer a distinct experience. The 15 is perfect for a gentle introduction to Speyside whiskies, while the 105 appeals to those desiring a powerful, flavor-packed dram, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Glenfarclas Whiskies
Glenfarclas 15: A Sweet and Simple Speyside Delight
- Nose: Sherry, honey, vanilla, caramel
- Palate: Dried fruit, vanilla, raisin, walnuts, honey, oak spice
- Finish: Medium, oak, vanilla, caramel
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenfarclas 17
Glenfarclas 15 is a Speyside single malt scotch known for its smooth texture, approachable sweetness, and classic sherry cask character.
Aroma: Predominantly sherry notes with subtle hints of honey, vanilla, and caramel.
Taste: The palate is smooth and oily with flavors of dried fruits, vanilla, raisins, walnuts, honey, and oak spice. The finish is medium-length, lingering with vanilla and caramel, alongside a slight bitterness from barrel spice and a pleasant warmth.
Overall: This enjoyable and approachable dram offers a taste of classic Speyside single malt at a relatively affordable price for a 15-year-old whisky. While not overly complex, it delivers a satisfying sweetness and introduces newcomers to the world of single malt scotch. Adding a drop of water can further enhance its smoothness and enjoyment.
Glenfarclas 15 facts:
- Aged in European oak ex-oloroso sherry casks, primarily first and second fill casks.
- Offers good value compared to other 15-year-old single malts.
Glenfarclas 105: A Sherry-Dominated Dram for Bold Palates
- 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: Aberlour A’Bunadh
Glenfarclas 105 is a sherry cask-matured single malt known for its rich, full-bodied flavor profile and high alcohol content (60% ABV).
Aroma: Hints of alcohol initially, followed by aromas of dried fruits like figs and raisins, dark chocolate, and a touch of aged leather.
Taste: The first sip offers a warm and inviting experience. Rich sherry notes mingle with flavors of figs, raisins, dark fruit, and honey, accentuated by a touch of baking spice. The finish is slightly dry and lingering, leaving a pleasant warmth and hints of sherry, chocolate, and baking spice.
Overall: This bold and expressive dram is a favorite among sherry whisky enthusiasts. While the high proof brings a noticeable warmth, it remains enjoyable, especially with a drop of water added. Its robust flavor profile caters to those seeking a full-bodied and satisfying whisky experience.
Glenfarclas 105 facts:
- Matured in a combination of sherry and bourbon casks.
- Holds historical significance as a pioneer of cask strength bottlings (originally named Glenfarclas Overproof in 1968).
- Renowned for its excellent value, receiving recognition as “Best Bang For Your Buck” by Malt Maniacs.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glenfarclas 15 | $80 |
| Glenfarclas 105 | $100 |