Clynelish 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 750 ml
(Coastal Highlands, Scotland) - [WE 92]

About the Distillery:
Clynelish distillery is positioned on the eastern coast of Scotland's North Highland region, somewhat near Old Pulteney. Its malt is often said to be waxy, briny, and mildly peated. Although unconfirmed, the malt is rumored to be aged in both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Fresh ripe plums, red grapes, indeed a whole fruit punch barely masking deep, nutty barley. A sour high note stands out, similar to Highland Park's floral peatiness, this hint of citrus is very well-integrated, so much so that I didn't realize the malt was peated at first. A very robust, multi-layered aroma, and one that stands up to a lot of analysis.

Palate: Somewhat thin mouthfeel, but also soft with round, welcoming flavors of caramel. The peat notes dance on the palate, sprightly and bright, while the whole evolves to a saltwater taffy-like interplay of sweet, salty, and fruity. 

Finish: Like the taste of seawater in your mouth after swimming in the ocean. Drying, and more smoky now. Black pepper, sticky dates, and salted caramels. A twist of bitter lemon peel on the exit. Relatively short finish, except for the lemon peel.

Awards/Reviews:

92 Points, Best Buy - Wine Enthusiast

"The initial aroma is large, biscuity and grainy sweet; the aroma then becomes more sugar biscuit-like and a touch salty. Palate entry finds generous and malty-sweet flavors; by midpalate distinctive notes of black pepper, seaweed, oaky vanilla, honey and dark caramel are added. Finishes elegantly, sweetly and malty, with just a barely discernable influence of the sea."

This one is very true to the Clynelish style: fresh, appetizing, and very drinkable. Notes of brine, fruit (lemon-lime), and vanilla-accented malt, are the foundation of this whisky. Delicate seaweed, peat, exotic pepper and a hint of citrus rind bitterness entertain the palate throughout, all the way to its appetizingly briny, seaweed-tinged finish. Perhaps the definitive aperitif whisky." - Whisky Advocate