A True Classic
http://potstill.org/info/distilleries/3840/
I did a review on another Clynelish 14yo on this blog in March, but that was a release from the independent excellent independent bottler Blackadder.
I don't want to fall in repetition here, but I have a weakness for that wine-like quality that characterizes all clynelish bottling. And in my opinion, a bottle of Clynelish is a quite essential part of a man's whisky, one of the cornerstones of his collection. This is a distillery with a solid reputation that has been granted a prominent place in my personal top 10.
The Whisky
www.masterofmalt.com
Nose: Zesty, floral and ever so slightly waxy: a basket of tangerines, a vague scent of pears, vanilla sticks, a whiff of smoke (has always been a mystery to me), sea spray and something reminiscent of paraffin.
(with water added: a dash of water sets the salty aromas free.)
Mouth: elegant medium body, clean and oily on the palate: a marriage of fruit and spice.
Fruity tones: bitter orange oil, vanilla, undertones of bitter oak and hints of juniper.
Spicy tones: black pepper and ginger.
(with water added: water induces a certain softness, spicy notes are replaced by softer fruity ones, but the dryness and bitter remain.)
Finish: Quite long, bitter and salty, with a bit of spicy oak and a drop of smoke in its tail.
(with water added: soft and long, but the viper lost some of its venom; an overall saltier profile)
The Verdict
Well what is there more to say? This is just an excellent whisky, by a brilliant team of distillers. Simple as that; a solid whisky.