Imperial 1979 / 1991 Gordon & Macphail 40% vs Imperial 1991 / 2008 Gordon & Macphail 43%

Imperial 1979 / 1991 Gordon & Macphail 40%

Honestly a lovely fresh nose with white pepper, cut green fruit, browned grass, rubbed limes, clean clear oil and a touch of salinity. Not heavily malty, no sign of feints, no off notes, ready to go. Light and simple, fresh and uplifting. An underappreciated distillery. 84 pts

Imperial 1991 / 2008 Gordon & Macphail 43%

So 5 more years maturation than the 1979. Also it’s curious that the Imperial 1991 is a Speyside malt, whilst the 1979 names itself a Highland malt. So 1991. Immediately more wood here, with butterscotch and smoking caramel. Some light leathery touches, also a dull spicy sprinkle of cloves and cardamom. At heart it’s retained this light fresh cut fruit character that’s light refreshing and pleasing, much in line with the 1979. Again no off notes. Aperitif as they say, though I would add this sort of whisky does better with less wood. 84 pts