Young Clynelish that’s been matured for 9 years in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel – nothing more needs to be said.
Nose: Cool mint and a swipe of lamp oil join green mango, touches of underripe pineapple and a medley of yellow and green Starburst. Notes of earthy dunnage are joined by fir cones whilst touches of rocky minerality and toasted cereals bring up the rear. Reduction increases the sense of coastalness with hewn rock faces sitting alongside a stick of rock (still minty) and fruit jellies.
Taste: Bright and tangy fruits sit atop a cough syrup-like arrival. Lemon peels and pink grapefruit sit alongside guava and mango whilst pine needles join Milky Bars. Water is a joy here – the texture is retained straddling oil/syrup, whilst mingled tropical fruit juices sit with Trebor mint and a tingle of developing minerality.
Finish: Medium sweet chocolate and char join pepper and slapped mint.
As always I’d expect anything from 26 to fly off the shelves regardless of its underlying quality. This one however backs up its number with a lovely profile that socialises fruits, mints and oils to a high level of success. Recommended.