This incredible pair of 1953 vintage spirits were both aged in cask for almost 60 years. The Glenfarclas was matured in a single Spanish Sherry cask whilst the Hine was matured in French Oak, prior to both being bottled at natural cask strength - the first time Hine have ever done this.
The 1953 Glenfarclas comes from the oldest maturing cask in the Speyside distillery's inventory, filled during George Grant's grandfather's time (his father would have been just 18 months old!).
1953 for Hine means one of the greatest vintages of the past century alongside 1914 and perhaps more recently 1988.
The pair are presented in obelisks made from English Oak by the Queen's cabinetmaker, N.E.J. Stevenson, with the faces of the drawers having been made from the casks each of these spirits were matured in!
There are only 125 of these extraordinary sets in existence.
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
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.