By now they’re selling a second batch of Archives releases (Glen Grant 1975 and Dailuaine 1983 among others), but we’re still reviewing one of the Inaugural Releases, a 14 years old Clynelish 1997.
Clynelish 14 yo 1997 (53,9%, Archives 2011, bourbon hogshead #4634, 160 btl.)
Clynelish 14 yo 1997 (53,9%, Archives 2011, bourbon hogshead #4634, 160 btl.)Nose: a slightly austere Clynelish which starts on linseed oil, flints and wax, followed by light fruity notes (lemon skin, apple) and some flowery hints. A very mineral profile.
Mouth: sharp and pretty mineral again. Apples again and big zesty lemon (homemade limoncello without the sugar). Hints of tonic water. Grows more austere with grassy notes, ginger and salt. A tad too raw for my taste.
Finish: medium long, clean, sharp and zesty.
Young Clynelish that’s behaving more like a lemon brandy. Around € 65. Available from the Whiskybase shop.
Score: 85/100