Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength

Goodnight

Blind Tasting. Light golden, multiplicity of thin legs and very slow drops. Nose: Wet wood, caramel malt, butterscotch funk, blue agave earthiness, boosey bread pudding Palate: Hits hot and fast - there is a prickling, almost burning heat. The flavors are all turned up to 10 or 11 with butterscotch, hey and clover honey, oak and cardamon, white pepper, maybe even cayenne. There is a bit of astringent varnish, possibly some sauternes as well. Water: No real change to the palate with a drop added. More of the malt and spice come through than ever and the harsh edges soften but no revelations here. My guess would be Speyside or Highland, bourbon cask and/or French oak limousine. Age >18 years and 55-60% ABV. I could be completely wrong and this is 6-12 years and just NCF and barrel proof but suspect relatively unused wood casks. Glenfiddich on steroids? Not really sure what this is. So much wood spice and yet so much malt sweetness, but funky. Reveal - Glenfarclas 105 Well, that’s not what I expected. The butterscotch is somewhat extreme in this expression and the raisin and earthy notes of the 25 largely absent in comparison. It’s like looking at my high school self and comparing him to my current self and having no idea how the two could be related. As much as I love the 25 I think this is one I would likely pass on. This one certainly delivers on the proof (which I learned is actually closer to 120 American proof, makes sense now). The burn punishes above a 120 proof Knob Creek but below a Bookers or Makers CS. Just more flavorful options out there with less heat, especially in the scotch world. Definitely and interesting try thanks to @Contemplativefox and would recommend that everyone try at least once but don’t be mistaken - this is not an amped up, older Glenfarclas expression but a different beast entirely.

Strong. Flavorful. Drinkable considering the abv