Balblair 1964 James MacArthur 56.8% vs Balblair 1983 1st release 46%

Balblair 1964 James MacArthur 56.8%

Right, start with the good – Salt air, wisps of smoke, black loamy earth, and then pine cones. Unfortunately this becomes stale violets, mothballs and supermarket potpourri very quickly and it stays in that stale spot without moving on. So.. No. Much as I was curious about these James MacArthurs, I’ve started to regret them. Abysmal. 70 pts

Balblair 1983 1st release 46%

Distinctly modern and with substantial wood notes. Polished oak tables, peeling lacquer and warm butter. Good dose of sweet desert spices. All wood so far. Some honey, wet earth, pulled roots and salt air. Nice fruity core, though its a bit touch and go: Pina colada, ripe berries and coconut cream? A whisky with great potential, unfortunately  the wood is loud and overruns the palate. Black pepper and woody caramel, and salty earth to the finish. 87 pts