Clynelish 14 Year

Alko. 31.3.2018. Hyvää!

I’d say 4.5 stars really. I like the slightly briney taste. Coastal? Nose is good but taste is great... I get salted caramel and green apples. Really good with a drop of water. Bit of smoke but I don’t get any of the peat which is a good thing to me.

Now I know why Clynelish is used in just about every blend I can think about!!! Thanks so much for the sample @Scott_E! The nose brought subtle notes of hay, floral properties, and light fruit. The powerful palate is the best part. Huge peaches, tangerines, and nectarines. Heavenly heavy mouth coat, and the viscosity is beautiful. Slight smoky finish with oranges, apricots, and vanilla is a nice long length too. Since this is practically the "bass player" of whisky, meaning its a great foundation, we need a bass heavy theme to the dram. "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Metallica seems fitting. 4.0!

Stop number 77 on the SDT is Clynelish. Basically the successor to the soon to be reopened Brora distillery, this Diageo owned Highland distillery has quietly made a name for itself with this 14 year old single malt. Bottled at 46% ABV, and even though it’s not stated on the bottle it is non chill filtered. It does appear that there is a generous amount of colorant added making it a honey color. While coming off as “not as strong as you’d expect from a 46% scotch”, the nose shows a fair bit of complexity. Oranges, tangerine marmalade, beeswax and some cinnamon. A sanded oak table with a candelabra slowly dripping wax down upon it. Floral with dry grasses and faintly herbal, oregano or sage. A sherry type nuttiness even though I believe it is all bourbon matured. Lots of vanilla comes through with some caramel and brown sugar. Creamy. A very light mint and a brief hit of cumin. Odd as it may sound, there is a fresh laundry detergent smell. It works though. A whiff of smoke even though it is unpeated. Not a powerhouse of a nose but quite enjoyable. The palate arrives silky smooth with a waxy/floral/fruity burst. Orange blossom, tangerine, creamy vanilla. A little pepper, maybe white pepper and a light oak. The palate is less complex than the nose and quickly transitions to the finish. A medium-light bodied mouthfeel. Oily, waxy and mouth coating. The finish is medium length. Waxy, slightly bitter. A little oak with some spices. I really enjoyed the overall waxy sensation throughout the whole experience. It’s a lighter, mostly easy drinking whisky but it really works well. The finish is a little off but doesn’t hurt it too much. I have to applaud Diageo on this one. Choosing not to chill filtered was a great move. I would love to see this at 48%. At $68 locally it’s a good price for its age. We’re the finish a little better it would be a solid 4. As is it’s a 3.75. Thanks to @Scott_E for the sample. Cheers