Glenury Royal 1984 / 28 Year Old / Rare Old / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky

Gianluca Ferro — Beautiful but not flawless

8/10

Gordon & MacPhail did a solid job with this cask. There's a lovely waxy honey quality on the palate with hints of orange peel and gentle oak spice. I do think the finish drops off a touch quicker than I'd expect for 28 years of age, but the journey getting there is excellent. Drank it neat, obviously.

Clara Johansson — Worth every penny for a closed distillery

9/10

Glenury Royal closed in 1985, so finding a 28 year old from 1984 — essentially one of the last vintages — is something special. The nose is dried fruits and old leather, and at 46% it doesn't need any water at all. I sipped this neat over an hour and kept finding new things. Yes it's £900 but try finding another bottle in five years.

Priya Sharma — Worth every penny for a closed distillery

9/10

Glenury Royal closed in 1985, so finding a 28 year old from 1984 — essentially one of the last vintages — is something special. The nose is dried fruits and old leather, and at 46% it doesn't need any water at all. I sipped this neat over an hour and kept finding new things. Yes it's £900 but try finding another bottle in five years.