1980s Glenfarclas 105 8 year old 750ml

The Glenfarclas 105 8 Year Old is a rare, high-strength bottling that was once part of

Glenfarclas’s core range, particularly in the 1980s and early 1990s. Bottled at 60% ABV, it’s a bold Speyside single malt that combines youthful vigor with sherried depth. Unlike the modern NAS Glenfarclas 105, this version proudly declared its age—and it shows in the balance between raw power and emerging complexity.

Here’s a composite profile based on vintage reviews and enthusiast impressions:

Nose :- Wet dunnage oak and sherry-soaked wood. Heavy malt and cereal notes with a touch of damp hayHints of cider apple skin, Guinness-like stout, and seawaterSlight alcohol prickle, but not overpowering for its strength

Palate :- Malty and herbal with citrus zest and a faint matcha-like bitterness. Delayed spice bloom—pepper, clove, and cinnamon emerge graduallyRipe fruits: stewed plums, orange peel, and fig. A touch of Armagnac-like rancio, adding depth and funk

Finish :- Medium length, fading into allspice, cinnamon, and damp oak. Fresh-cut wood and a whisper of smoke. Slightly drying, with a bittersweet echo

Overall Impression

This 8-year-old 105 feels like it came from refill sherry casks nearing retirement, which lends it a more austere, earthy profile compared to the richer, fruitier NAS versions. It’s a collector’s dram—not flashy, but full of character. The high ABV is surprisingly well-integrated, making it an easy sipper for seasoned palates, though water opens up more nuance.