Review by: Whiskery Turnip
Distillery: Clynelish.
Bottler: Duncan Taylor.
Region: Scotland/Highland Single Malt.
ABV: 46%.
Age: 19 Years. Distilled in 1995. Bottled in 2015.
Cask type: Oak.
Nose: Citrus and chalk, lemon and oranges, lime leaves, minerals, lemon bundt cake, dried leaves, a hint of maple and hard candies with a kiss of salt.
Palate: Medium to light-bodied, citrusy and herbal with a mellow minerality and oak, lemon hard candies, orange bundt cake, mineral water with a kiss of salt, vaguely coastal with dried grass and stone.
Finish: Medium-length and mellow with citrus, oak, and a hint of salt.
Mental Image: Mediterranean Getaway.
Conclusion: Mellow, mild, and very enjoyable, though this Clynelish lacked some of the waxiness for which the 1990s vintages are well-known. It was not a very complex affair, but the citrus and vaguely coastal flavors were well-integrated and balanced. Sure, some additional complexity might have come through at cask strength, or a bit of waxiness may have appeared. But this was fine; there was a touch of pepper, which left me wondering if it was not a bit hot at cask strength and needed the lower proof to cool down sufficiently. The wood influence was minimal on the malt, and it must have been matured in a well-used hogshead with little to give.
Overall, a delightfully mild affair. Perfect for summertime sipping.
Final Score: 79.
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 