We continue with this weeks theme: Clynelish and Brora. I didn’t plan for this theme, but it sure has been a nice week of whisky notes. This is actually my first review of a bottling by The Whiskyman, a series of single cask whiskies by Dominiek Bouckaert. And what better way to start with a great distillery like Clynelish.
Clynelish 1997/2011 (50,5%, The Whiskyman, 160 bts.)
Nose: A very fresh start with light citrus notes and freshly cut grass. The signature Clynelish wax is here in its full glory. Orange and pineapple complement farmier notes. With water the nose gets a bit more coastal and less waxy.
Taste: Ginger, vanilla, mandarin and pepper. It’s a bit too stingy for my taste, even after adding water. The woody flavors that appear with water don’t exactly improve the palate.
Finish: Waxy. Fruity and spicy, although mostly fruit in the form of pineapple and pear. It lingers for a long time.
Rating: 86
A very good nose and an even better the finish, but the palate can’t keep up. Still very good and I’d be happy to have a bottle.