Phil has been snaffling up most of the recent young Clynelish bottlings for reviewing – but I arrived at the Society rooms first this month…so…
Nose: Highly floral, but still with enough textural cues to identify it. An array of meadow flowers – daisies, poppies, cornflower – joined by church tapers, pan grease, wallpaper paste and a hint of Airfix glue. Golden cereals run throughout, together with sliced pears and orange peels. In the background, a developing demi-minerality that’s hard to define – I’m going with tile grout. Reduction presents a crisp and clean composition with cotton sheets, rose petals and hemp canvas.
Taste: Pear and apricot jams and preserves sit with fizzing lemon and lime cordials. Jelly sweets and liquorice are joined by creamy fudge, whilst gentle cask char sits with stem ginger and pepperiness. Water retains the fresh and vivid profile whilst offering up an array of tart citrus peels – Haribio Tangfastics together with lemonade and an array of gummy bears.
Finish: Medium with preserved lemons and a persistent bright effervescence.
Quality distillate in a quality 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel is always going to result in good things. And this Clynelish is no different in that regard. Characterful, lively and acquiescent in every way - young whisky done proper. #26 always sells out quickly regardless of the attributes. This one is worth getting in line for (literally as it turns out). Recommended.