Glenfarclas 105 - 60%

We're well into January but last month I decided to buy a couple of sherried whiskies for the festive season and to see in the new year.
     I much prefer bourbon cask whisky but with the Christmas tree lights sparkling, I took a fancy for a couple of "Christmas cake" drams. So I jumped in the sleigh, gave Rudolph an extra mince pie, and set off to Valhalla... well, Valhalla's Goat in the west end of Glasgow to be precise. This is a splendid shop crammed with fine spirits and outrageously good beer and wine - and plenty of it!
     I picked up this stonking Glenfarclas along with a hearty bottle of GlenDronach Cask-Strength. More of the latter in a future post.
    As far as I'm aware, the 105 used to be marked as a 10 year old, although this version carries no age statement. But don't let that put you off. At 60% and available for a good price, this is a Christmas present that just keeps on giving.

Nose: Toffee, walnuts, red apples, sticky dates, raisins, figs, caramel and golden syrup. Phew! There's also some lemon rind in here - but it's a dram which really does need a good splash of water to bring out its best. Water and 10 minutes in the glass, and this really comes into its own. Chocolate-covered raspberries, green apple slices drizzled with lemon juice and white grapes. Slight menthol, wood chips and herbs.

Palate: A syrupy sweet arrival with beautiful fruity toffee. Cinnamon and nutmeg and a huge mouthful of dates. Water makes this even more mouthwatering and brings dark fruits to the front along with milk chocolate.

Finish: The sweetness remains and there's loads of spicy dark fruits and pepper. Dark caramel, grapefruit and nuts - I'm thinking walnuts and Brazil. With water this is superb and I get smooth chocolate icing and lemon rind.

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