Hine 1953 (cask 284) - 41.9%
Nose: Vanilla initially. Brown sugar, honey. Then into dried fruit, mandarin, pear drops, orange jam in very light chocolate cake and a little polish. Peach and almond tart.
Palate: Orange chocolate cake again, candy notes leading into soft oak at the end.
Finish: Peaches on the finish, as well as more syrupy, reduced peaches. Very nice!
Glenfarclas 1953 (cask 1682)- 43.9%
Nose: Calves leather, warm sand, gooseberry and nettle before it opens up to reveal beeswax, peaches in a wooden fruit bowl, pear, and a little honeyed oak. A hint of rich and creamy apple sauce, cloudy lemonade and apple blossom.
Palate: Oh! Silver birch!? Fizzy grapefruit squash and champagne develop.
Finish: Dry, long and slightly tannic. Stunning stuff.