ctbeck11
Clynelish 14 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
July 22, 2021 (edited October 18, 2021)
Nose - apple, pear, honey, fig, cocoa, caramel, vanilla, cereal grain, nutmeg, subtle peat, lemon, almond, dry floral notes, moderate ethanol burn.
Taste - pear, green apple, honey, chili pepper, grape, fig, ginger, clove, nutmeg, caramel, vanilla, lemon zest, leather, rich malt, bitter herbal notes, dry oak, mild sulphur, mild to moderate alcohol bite, finishing medium length with green apple, honey, and feinty sulphur flavors.
The nose has sweet, fermented fruits, the obligatory waxy honey note, some citrus, and a bit of peat. The palate brings more depth than expected from the nose. The same fruits are present, but there’s a rich maltiness that I sometimes find on other high quality whiskies made using old distillation and aging techniques. Some sulphuric off notes appear as well, but in a tasty Springbank-esque way.
Another classic that’s taken me too long to review. For some reason, I had the idea coming in that this would be a wimpy, fruity, delicate pour. That’s not the case at all. This is complex and challenging in the same way that Craigellachie and Springbank are. Actually, this is rather similar to Craigellachie 13, albeit a bit more understated. This is great whisky that exudes quality from start to finish. Thank you to @jonwilkinson7309 for the sample!
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@cascode Thank you. I love finding that rich malty note on whiskies outside of Springbank products. It’s uncommon, but a welcome discovery every time.
A wonderful whisky - great review.
wow yeah that sucks thats GD15 price
@Ctrexman $70 is a good price. Unfortunately it’s $80-$90 a bottle here.
Yeah it was around 60 but now closer to 70. Still not too bad for a 14 yr though
@bigwhitemike It’s definitely worth trying. The waxy note is hard to describe, but you know it when you taste it.
@Ctrexman Thanks. It’s really good. I wish it were priced a bit lower though.
This one is one my list. An understated classic from all I’ve heard. Also excited to place the “waxy” note that many attribute to it.
Nice review and Im with you this is thick and rich