From the rugged coastlines of the Northern Highlands, Clynelish Single Malt Scotch Whisky emerges, bathed in maritime mystique and Highland character. With its signature waxy texture and a palate intertwining sea salt with hints of citrus and spice, Clynelish is a captivating expression of its wild environment. Crafted with passion since the 19th century, this whisky stands as a tribute to the elements, with every drop echoing the crashing waves and windswept landscapes that have shaped its unique profile.
According to the legend, Clynelish once faced a fierce blizzard that threatened its precious casks with ruin. In the midst of this icy tempest, a silent and enigmatic feline creature came to the rescue. Situated in the densely overgrown woods of the Highlands, Clynelish is a distillery that stands even more remote than most, tucked away in the wilderness that serves as the natural habitat of the elusive Scottish wildcat. Although few of these elusive creatures remain, the symbol of the wildcat is proudly displayed at the Clynelish distillery, serving as its eternal guardian.
This particular Clynelish expression, as radiant as a gleaming golden eye, reveals a spicier dimension to its vibrant fruity notes and waxy texture. The luscious liquid emanates a dazzling array of complex aromas, encompassing fruits, herbs, and deeper, fragrant oak spices. Its velvety texture and opulent, wine-like sweetness are complemented by a burst of peppery spice, the result of an extended period of secondary maturation in Pedro Ximenez/Oloroso casks. A single malt as rare and elusive as the mysterious guardian that watches over it.
Tasting Note by Clynelish:Nose: Creamy top notes soon give way to light yet complex fruity and herbal aromas; subtle, understated suggestions of fruity mincemeat, tinned pears, even heather honey. Deeper still, spicy scents of oak preview a soaring intensity on the palate. A drop of water increases the herbal note, while also introducing a familiar waxy hint.Palate: A very smooth, mouth-filling texture introduces a lively taste that is rich and wine-sweet overall, the palate well-balanced by snarling peppery, oaky spice. A little water enhances the sweetness, steers the smoothness of the texture towards waxiness and rounds the flavours, which soon give way again to spicy heat.Finish: Quite long, chili-spiced, and appetisingly drying, with lingering pepper. A little water enhances the creamy-smooth texture and adds a little more spice.
Clynelish 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Old Particular range is a limited edition, distilled in January 2011 and bottled in August 2023. Uncoloured and non-chill filtered, it comes from a refill hogshead (Ref: DL18173) with an alcohol strength of 48.4%. Only 381 bottles were produced.
Tasting Notes by Douglas Laing & Co:Nose: Sweetly herbal, gently honeyed, subtly creamy, distinctly gristy, and with a hint of salt.Palate: Unctuously mouth-coating with peppery spices, buttered gingerbread, and barley.Finish: Initially ginger leading into salted (vanilla) toffee, with a mix of sugar and oak.
