グレンファークラス105（GLENFACLAS105）の変遷とジェネレーション判別法

The evolution of Glenfarclas 105 and how to distinguish between generations

Currently, due to the global rise in prices, the release prices of almost all whiskies are skyrocketing. However, Glenfarclas is one of the brands whose price increase has been among the slowest. This is likely because Glenfarclas has a unique aging environment with a low "Angel's Share," allowing them to supply a large volume of original spirit at a lower cost. Consequently, their release prices have been kept lower than other brands, resulting in a relatively slow rise in consumer prices.

Furthermore, the fact that the official Glenfarclas core line has remained somewhat under the radar, even for expressions with high age statements, is another reason prices have stayed stable. It seems consumers lacked sufficient knowledge or options to specifically choose "the delicious Glenfarclas," so prices did not shift easily.

Nevertheless, there is one expression that is immensely popular and widely enjoyed by enthusiasts: Glenfarclas 105 (105 Proof, 60% ABV). Personally, while I have not had many opportunities to drink recently released Glenfarclas, the 1970s distribution version of "105" (8-year-old) I tasted recently was shockingly delicious and remains vivid in my memory.

 

 

(Photo: Glenfarclas 105, estimated to have been distributed in the 1970s. Taken at Bar Tamahiko in Ikebukuro, Tokyo)

Now, let us delve into the history of Glenfarclas 105.
Glenfarclas 105 was launched in 1968 by the fourth-generation owner, George Grant, as the industry's first official "Cask Strength" (no added water) bottling. The name is derived from "105 Proof," the traditional British notation for alcohol content.

Since its debut in the late 1960s, the bottle has undergone several transitions. The design changed significantly in the 1980s, followed by another major overhaul in the mid-2000s. Let us examine the "105" generations from the early days to the 2000s.

1) Glenfarclas 105: 1970s Distribution Version

After its launch in 1968, the label changed subtly several times. While there are minor differences between UK, Italian, and Asian distributions, we introduce the representative bottle here. Incidentally, it is frighteningly delicious.

 

2) Glenfarclas 105 Pure Malt: Late 1970s to Early 1980s Distribution Version

Although I have not seen the physical bottle, this is believed to be the version circulated around 1980. While labeled as 8 years old, it is speculated that spirits from this era were lavishly vatted with highly aged malts far exceeding the 8-year mark. At that time, age statements were not as strictly regulated as they are today and were used more as an indication of the minimum maturation period.

 

3) Glenfarclas 105 Rare Highland Malt: Mid-1980s Distribution Version

This design likely first appeared around 1985. It became the fundamental template for "105" that continued until the early 2000s. While rating sites like Whiskybase may occasionally give this generation a lower score than its predecessors or successors, there is no need for concern; such scores often result from relative evaluations or small sample sizes at the time of rating.

4) Glenfarclas 105: Late 1980s Distribution Version

This is a bottle from my personal collection, possessing a beautiful old-bottle aesthetic. Interestingly, despite its low age statement, this bottle has received an extremely high score of over 90 points on Whiskybase. While one should not follow ratings blindly, even accounting for rating inflation, it is a score that raises high expectations for its aroma and flavor.

Until the early 1970s, Glenfarclas 105 carried an "8-year-old" statement. However, to meet expanding demand, it became necessary to add spirits aged 8 years or older to each batch. Simultaneously, it is inferred that some spirits younger than 8 years were mixed in to balance the flavor. Due to the regulation requiring the age of the youngest spirit to be stated, the inclusion of younger spirits meant it could no longer be labeled "8 Years," and the age statement was removed.

In conclusion, the "105" bottled in the 1980s, when measured against an 8-year standard, inevitably possessed higher quality than bottles from the 1990s onwards. This superior quality is likely what is reflected in the 90-plus rating on Whiskybase.

 

5) Glenfarclas 105: 1990s to Mid-2000s Distribution Version

From the late 1990s to the early 2000s, the age statement returned to the label, beginning with "Aged 10 Years." Since spirits older than 8 years were already being used, this was more a reflection of reality than an extension of the aging period. However, to meet further demand, it became necessary to vat spirits of various ages, and the age statement was removed once again, likely for administrative reasons.
Since then—specifically from around 2010—the prevailing opinion is that the actual maturation of Glenfarclas 105 has fallen below 8 years. While it varies by batch, it is said that almost no spirits older than 10 years are used anymore, marking a period of drastic change in quality.

 

 

[Special Edition] Glenfarclas 105 High-Age Versions

Glenfarclas has released special "High-Age 105" editions only three times to date.

  • Glenfarclas 105 20 Years Old (Bottled in 2012, limited to 4,000 bottles, Sherry Cask matured): Distilled around 1990 and released in 2012. Currently trading at around 70,000 to 80,000 JPY in European shops.

  • Glenfarclas 105 22 Years Old (Celebrating 50 Years of 105) (Bottled in 2018, limited to 3,600 bottles, Sherry Cask matured): A special edition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the birth of 105 in 1968. European prices are around 50,000 to 60,000 JPY, tending to be slightly more affordable than the 20-year-old version due to its later release.

  • Glenfarclas 105 40 Years Old (40th Anniversary Limited Edition) (Bottled in 2008, limited to 893 bottles, Oloroso Sherry Cask matured): An ultra-premium bottle distilled around 1968 and released in 2008. It currently trades at high prices of around 700,000 to 800,000 JPY in prestigious European shops.

This concludes the introduction to Glenfarclas 105. If you ever encounter a rare old bottle of "105," you should secure it immediately. Prices will undoubtedly continue to rise.

 

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