Glenkinchie 18 yo 1974 James MacArthur’s 40% vs Inchmurrin 31 yo 1966 / 1997 SMWS 112.1 50.2%
Glenkinchie 18 yo 1974 James MacArthur’s 40%
Unrecognisable if one’s only reference is the very bland whisky that it is today! Here is a revelation and a lesson. Its presents as a vivid but light bodied whisky without any rawness one sometime gets in Glenkinchie now. Find instead the multi-hues of dry hay and a brown and slightly damp cut grass pile, very nice yellows of pollen, chamomile tea and vengefully rubbed crayons (yellow?) paint an oily sheen. Also clean oiled metal, snapped branches and poached pears. On the tongue some astringent green herbs like coriander and a touch of celery salt at the finish. A curious mind will find this worthwhile to dig out.
Inchmurrin 31 yo 1966 / 1997 SMWS 112.1 50.2%
Yes, yards of new canvas – seems the tasting notes really nailed that one – and litres of Singer lubricating oil. Very steaming, gear-turningly oily. Then a magnificent big bang of bright greens: spearmint, crushed eucalyptus, menthol, grass shavings, dill, thyme, lemongrass and cut ginger. How can something distilled so long ago be so fresh! And under all that are subtle but weighty tropical fruit undertones that raise its head here and there. An acutely expressive and enjoyable experience from a make that’s only starting to come into its own again this side of 2000. These 2 whiskies are the reason I enjoy seeking out old whiskies of every sort – life is the proverbial box of chocolates, and it’s not bad at all to be led by serendipity sometimes.
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