Glenugie 31 yo 1966 / 1998 Signatory #5082 53.9% vs Emerald Isle 26 yo 1989 Specialty Drinks #16244 59.2%
Glenugie 31 yo 1966 / 1998 Signatory #5082 53.9%
A viscous salve vivid with glints of machine oil, industrial putty, factory floor, turpenic resins, dry bark, cough syrup and jujubes. So, very phenolic right now, but there are also camphor and pinewood boxes holding green mangoes and belimbing, wrapped in mustard leaves and sprinkled with crushed chalk. Remarkably nuanced, but for all that it’s blink and you miss it. Still, it serves as an example of the potential of old Glenugie, even not being one of the lavishly fruity ones. Worthy of 92 pts
Emerald Isle 26 yo 1989 Specialty Drinks #16244 59.2%
I do believe the Irish Single Malt of these vintages tend towards a light suppleness. This one however is heavier and denser than most, with a distinct oiliness in its body, wrought by a good dose of oaky spice, toffee, cedar, leathery tones, honeyed baklava, and even floral hints. Its a well integrated nose difficult to tease apart, and really just thoroughly enjoyable. The palate is surprisingly big, dipped in salt, seemingly robed in soot and girdled with coal – and comes alongside an overripe green fruitiness. Makes me wonder if there was not a bit of peat somewhere here. On hindsight this might well be from a rum cask. Upon the whole, a crown of fruitiness rests, high toned and sunset hued, but flickering in the waning light. Love it. 92 pts
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