When it comes to late 1990s Clynelish, Jeroen from The Bonding Dram has a certain fame to defend, as many think his Clynelish 1997 was one of the best around (and there were a whole list of sister casks at that time).
This time he picked a Clynelish 1996 from the Signatory Vintage stocks, bottled in the Un-Chillfiltered Collection.
Clynelish 19 yo 1996
(50,9%, Signatory Vintage ‘Un-Chillfiltered’ for The Bonding Dram, Single Malt Whisky Shop & Prima Vinum 2016, hogshead #6406, 269 btl.)
Clynelish 19 yo 1996Nose: classic nose, with waxy notes, (sweetened) lemon juice, lemon candy, unripe pineapples and a leathery touch. Some mentholated notes and grass. A lightly coastal touch (wet sand?).
Mouth: lemons in the fore, with a nice sweet and sour combination. Then more towards grapefruit, with a light salty note and some earthy touches. Honeyed notes and always this waxy side. Very clean and slightly minimal in a way, but following a great recipe.
Finish: medium long, wax and lemon pie, some salt and a hint of earth.
Pretty much a trademark Clynelish. Quite excellent and certainly worth buying at this price. Around € 90 from The Bonding Dram.
Score: 87/100