Islay Oct 1976 / Oct 1989 Society of Scotch Malt Connoisseurs #H2 59% vs Highland (Northern) Aug 1974 / Sept 1988 Society of Scotch Malt Connoisseurs #C13 63%

Islay Oct 1976 / Oct 1989 Society of Scotch Malt Connoisseurs #H2 59%

I find pronounced coastal and peat driven characteristics, and a sharp saline edge. Not a muscular peat, but one sinewy taut and immaculately balanced. Sea-going hemp rope, wet mud, stale seaworn sweaters, myrtle, menthol, gentian, some iodine and gently medicinal notes. In fact quite camphorated on the tongue. Glowing embers throw out stinging carbolic smoke, a bonfire of dried roots and plenty of wood ash upwind. Bitumen, hot stones leading to full flame on the palate. Tar, whole coal piles on fire, and bursts of white heat. Thoroughly admirable. Caol Ila I think. 92 pts

Highland (Northern) Aug 1974 / Sept 1988 Society of Scotch Malt Connoisseurs #C13 63%

Flashes of white smoke, a peaty kiln and blazing white minerals. Stripped bark from cut branches, matched with a humid wet moss. Unripe white peach try to being a green fruitiness but no, the ample minerals surge forth, and chalk galore too. Thin brittle resins and cold paraffin . A shred of wet sackcloth. Crushed mint leaf, galbanum, sharp nettle and cold clean wool.  Hints of ambroxan bring a marine edge as well. It feels like you cannot get far from the coast, with these impressions of cold air and barrels of salt. It’s an austere and clean but sharp whisky. I have heard this is a Pulteney, if so, better than most I think. 91 pts