A Limited edition natural cask strength single malt from the Clynelish distillery at Brora on the Sutherland coast. This is the second Clynelish ever released in this series with only 2946 bottles produced.
Created by master craftsman, Dr. Jim Beveridge from hand-selected casks of ex-bourbon first-fill American Oak barrels, rejuvenated and refill American Oak hogsheads, and ex-bodega & refill European Oak butts aged for at least fifteen years, and often far more . A very complex, richly flavoured whisky that begins sweetly with creamy notes of rich fruit, buttery toffee and chocolate, then reaches the silky dryness of a spicy finish: a cautious nose leads to a surprisingly rich and embracing palate and a beautifully balanced finish and this full-flavoured, waxy Clynelish is equally good to drink with water, which emphasises its delicious smooth-drinking nature and shows off its smooth chocolate-orange flavours.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Deep, crisp yellow-gold with fine viscosity.
Nose:
Reserved, with a first unexpected high note of soft creamy vanilla or buttery sponge that soon reveals that familiar Clynelish waxiness, floating over crisp green apples amid fresh moorland scents, dry smoke and moss. After this the nose feel is prickly with a fruity note, suggesting ripe red apples. Water sweetens things, bringing up cereal and malt notes with underlying caramel or vanilla fudge balanced by sharp red berries, but the real joy here is on the palate.
Body:
Medium. Rich.
Palate:
Massively welcoming, friendly and comforting. Big, full, creamy and intensely sweet overall, with fruit, malt and toffee; just like a liquid chocolate orange, with a balancing trace of smoke and a little salt on the tip of the tongue. Just as soft, satisfying and harmonious with water, when it’s not quite so mouth-filling. The sweetness is more delicate now, with a helpful fruit acidity; buttery homemade cookies and salted caramels, with a little smoky pungency.
Finish:
Warming and smooth: rich, chocolaty and drying, with a peppery aftertaste. A shortbread note, smooth tannins and ripe fruits, then a clean, bittersweet finish with more chocolate orange (orange oil and dark chocolate). Softer with water, spicy-sweet and warming, still with a dry, peppery close.