socialdistilledspirits
Clynelish 14 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
November 1, 2019 (edited April 24, 2021)
Pronounced "Kline-leash", the distillery is owned by Diageo, best known for Johnnie Walker. Supposedly, this distillery is heavily leaned upon in Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve blend. This 14 year old expression was first released in 2002.
One of the most unique things about Clynelish is the oily and waxy texture on the tongue. It was discovered that this texture came from the oils that collected in certain parts of the equipment during distillation (the feints receiver for those familiar with such things). Normally, those oils are removed when the equipment is thoroughly cleaned during the annual "silent season" of the distillery. At Clynelish, these oils and gunk are kept and added back into the equipment in favor of retain this specific texture and mouthfeel.
On the nose you get pear, flower blossoms, and salted caramel. On the palate you get hit with the highly unique oily and waxy texture, black pepper spice, fruit blossoms, fresh uncut grass, and sea salt. It finishes pretty long with caramel sweetness, floral, and almost seaweed character. Excellent pour!
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