Clynelish 1989 (The First Editions)

I don’t think I’ve mentioned the Swiss website for The First Editions before. A good place to stay updated. There seems to be a new Glenturret 1977 and Strathmill 1989 among others. Today we’ll have the highly anticipated Clynelish 1989 bottled earlier this year.

Clynelish 22yo 1989 (52,5%, The First Editions 2012, refill bourbon hogshead, ref. ES 009/02, 241 btl.)

Nose: fresh, fruity profile. Gooseberries, peach, kumquats. Some floral notes as well, summery grass. Nicely balanced with slightly sharper notes of minerals, ginger and a seaside breeze. Waxy notes. What sets it apart is a clear, sweet butter milk note, interesting. Complex and pleasant.

Mouth: punchy, slightly sweet at first (lemon liqueur) but quickly showing its spicy side (pepper, liquorice, ginger). Some garden herbs and again a mineral touch. Hay and a little paraffin. Citrus zest.

Finish: long, with some salty, lemony and grassy elements.

Another exemplary Clynelish, with a nice balance of coastal whiffs and sweet, fruity notes. Good selection. Around € 130.

Score: 90/100