Glen Grant 27 yo 1955 / 1982 Samaroli 43% vs Glenury Royal 24 yo 1966 / 1990 Cadenhead 53.8%
Glen Grant 27 yo 1955 / 1982 Samaroli 43%
Let’s calibrate. Here is honey and gentle wax, buttered pear tarts and freshly turned dry loam. No big sherry but you don’t need sherry to be charming. Dirty flints, ginger powder and a pinch of cardamom. Hay and hardened caramels in the fridge. This one is said to be less than great for a Samaroli, but I find that rather uncalled for. I find plenty between its gritty soot and gravel aspect and its resin and musky fruit side. Undoubtedly good if somewhat simple. 89 pts
Glenury Royal 24 yo 1966 / 1990 Cadenhead 53.8%
Straight off this presents itself as a deeply oiled and resinous whisky chock full of rare and exotic polished hardwoods and accompanied by a pungent spice, a profile that can only be found yesteryear, This one in particular is desert dry and almost harsh, I do like it, though I also suspect it would be viewed with suspicion if it was released today. We have wood oils and lubricants with this wood, wispy petrol smoke and machinery. Lumber caked with dirt and coagulated resin. Camphor, dry black pepper, sharp anise and a leafy petitgrain bring a bright even medicinal edge. Surprisingly it turns out to be absolutely parched on the palate, almost evaporating in a hot sear, and so it does lack a certain presence. 88 pts
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