We’ve already reviewed the Caol Ila Moscatel finish and the Talisker Amoroso finish from the “Distiller’s edition” series. Today it’s Clynelish time, one of our favourite distilleries. It’s a 18 yo malt finished in ex sherry Oloroso casks. The colour is gold.

N: compared to the 14 yo Flora & Fauna, beside the typical Clynelish suggestions of wax and honey, here there’s no signe of peat and the sherry influence gives an extra molasses’ sweetness. A lot of vanilla, vague ripe fruits (yellow plums) and candied citrus fruits. A hint of unripe banana, usual in several waxy malts….

P: similar to the nose: wax, honey, super-sweet ripe fruits, almost annoying. The problem is a kind of flatness, here: the sherry casks provide an indistinct sweetness without the right balance. Some nutmeg and hazelnut.

F: quite persistent, focused on hazelnut.

We love Clynelish because it’s usually an austere, nervous whisky: this is pleasant and even rather intense, but it looks rudely disguised. It’s not a bad whisky, but it’s too people-pleaser. Comparing to the Flora & Fauna, it’s richer, but less authentic. Our vote is 81/100, here you can read Serge’s opinion on a different batch, here Oliver’s one.

Recommended soundtrack: Secret Garden – 2046 Adagio, from 2046 OST.