Rare Series, Glenury Royal 1970
This 55-year-old Scotch whisky was the oldest age statement Diageo had ever bottled when it was released in April, 2026. That's not the only thing that makes this whisky remarkable, as it comes from one of the last remaining casks from the ghost distillery Glenury Royal. The distillery closed in 1985 and, unlike Brora and Port Ellen, it cannot be revived. The site was demolished and has since been redeveloped. As for the whisky, its remarkable strength comes down to its high filling strength, and the warehouse where it was aged, which was warmer and drier than your typical Scottish warehouse. The release is limited to just 232 bottles.
Nose
Apple, pear, light smoke
Palate
Baked apple, tinned pears
Finish
Oak spice
This expression from Glenury Royal wears all of its 62.4% ABV and feels rather closed at cask strength. That all changes with a healthy drop of water, which reveals luscious orchard fruits mixed with a light whiff of smoke. The texture is gripping. There are tannins at the top of the palate, but if you're willing to put the time in, there is plenty of fruity complexity lying beneath them. There are more baked apples and tinned pears, the sweetness holding off the drying oak spice. The finish is long and drying.
