ScotchingHard
Clynelish 14 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
June 3, 2018 (edited October 21, 2024)
33 open bottles in my collection ranked through multiple blind tastings. Counting them down!
#14: Clynelish. Single Malt Scotch. 46% ABV. 14 years.
Paid $70
Yes! This is a bottle to re-purchase.
This is such a classic scotch. Allegedly, Clynelish uses a wider cut during distillation that includes more foreshots and feints to create its fairly distinctive profile. Immediately after pouring, this dram is waxy, woody, floral, and even musky. With time and/or water, it becomes fruitier with applesauce and pears. A moderate amount of pepperiness and saltiness exists throughout. Peat is barely detectable. The mouthfeel is famously waxy. Clynelish is a staple of the industry because it is used to provide the robust base notes in many blends, most notably several from Compass Box. As a single malt, it is strong in character but also is a versatile pour that will evolve in the glass.
MARK: 89/100
PREVIOUSLY, ON BATMAN:
#15: Four Roses Single Barrel. $52. 50%. NAS. 88/100.
#16: Woodford Reserve Cherry Wood Smoked Barley. $104. 45.2%. NAS. 88/100
#17: Highland Park. $90. 43%. 15 years. 88/100
#18: Glendronach. $59 (1L). 43%. 12 years. 87/100
#19: Ledaig. $60. 46.3%. 10 years. 87/100
#20: Longmorn. $94. 48%. 16 years. 87/100
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I'm loving the countdown format for these reviews!