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Clynelish Distillers Edition 2012

46% ABV - Highlands, Scotland

Nose: Resin and honey is upfront, and then ripe fruits, red apple, sultana raisins, slight wood notes, lemon, and spices follow.

Taste: Surprisingly light. I’m tasting mostly the sultana and ripe fruits with apples. Citrus and spices lead into the finish.

Finish: Flavours become less defined, and you are left with the general categories of raisin, fruits, citrus, and spices.

I have read many reviews of Clynelish before, and one thing in particular that stood out were the comments related to a waxy note from the spirit - something that was repeatedly noted to be of the distillery character, specifically. That waxiess is something that I have found hard to pin down – maybe it’s what I think is resin and honey? I have only tasted Clynelish as a single malt by two of the Distillers Edition releases and, on just one occasion, the 14-Year Old; the overwhelming majority of my Clynelish experience has been as part of various blends. I’m still at the beginning of my whisky journey, so maybe it will show itself as I continue to taste. Practice, practice!

Part of the problem seeking out different expressions of Clynelish, at least in my part of the world, is poor accessibility... Our government controlled liquor distribution seems to only ever favour bringing in the standard 14-Year; it was only on a dusty shelf that I found this 2012 Distiller’s Edition - last year, in 2018.

This Clynelish Distillers Edition, distilled in 1997, is a great, crowd pleasing whisky. I opened this in good company, on an evening dedicated to whisky tasting, and it pleasingly made it around to nearly everyone in attendance! It’s a great ex-Oloroso Sherry expression that isn’t too bold; the single year of finishing just gives it that nice layer on top.

I tried to get my hands on the Cask Strength Game of Thrones Edition, but it proved too popular and was sold out at all local stores – giant queues formed so it was all spoken for before they even opened up. I’ll have to keep my eye out for any IBs of Clynelish… I have to expand my knowledge somehow!

Tasted 29 April 2019. (Posted 1 May 2019.)

86/100
Detailed Rating Information...

90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.

Whisky Bottle