Here's an energetic edition from the Speyside distillery Glenfarclas. Glenfarclas 105 Proof is a brut de fût edition, aged for around 10 years, although there is no official age statement. It is aged in first- and second-fill sherry casks (Glenfaclas Heritage, on the other hand, is aged in 3rd- and 4th-fill sherry casks).
But how does Glenfarclas manage to get that 105 Cask strength consistently at 60%? The simple answer is that future 105 casks are all at different strengths: 54, 56, 68, 61, 58 and so on. They are blended in tuns until the required 60% is reached, and the strength is thus systematically obtained.
This whisky won a silver medal at the 2016 IWSC, and at the 2016 Scottish Field Whisky Challenge.
Florian's tasting notes
The dress is dark amber. The tears are heavy and numerous.
The nose is lacquered, with kerosene and wood. The 60% are present. Oxygen does its job, and the whisky unveils noble wood, camphor, red fruit, a rancio note of baked apple and walnut. The nose progresses to earth and leather. Licorice and dark cocoa round out the nose. The addition of water reveals raisins.
On the palate: powerful, very hot entry, the palate is spicy and peppery; great amplitude. Dried fruit, raisin, prune and walnut dominate with confidence. Round, fat, with a very pleasant texture. A touch of spice around nutmeg and old wood.
The finish is of medium length, with dry grass and liquorice.
"A lovely Whisky, very marked by the sherry and well balanced despite its 60%..."
Benoit Moreau
Top value for money. Drink neat or in cocktails.