After two slightly disappointing G&M bottling for TWE, there’s another Whisky Exchange exclusive that I’d like to share: this Clynelish 1996 selected from the Signatory Vintage stocks.
I’m usually not a fan of first-fill sherried Clynelish, but a refill butt can do wonders.
Clynelish 21 yo 1996 (52%, Signatory Vintage for The Whisky Exchange 2018, refill sherry butt #11390, 517 btl.)
Nose: the cask added nice nectarines and pineapples to the waxy Clynelish markers that are now in a second row. Fresh oranges and tangerines, a little vanilla and almonds. Still nice waxy notes and soft minerals. Honey cake, just a whiff of tobacco and mint.
Mouth: pleasant oily texture, the typical Clynelish character comes out more now. Beeswax, almonds and walnuts, orange peels alongside slightly tart peaches and tangerines. Gentle sherry, perfect in this case. Mid-palate we get some nutty notes, sultanas, leather and a salted edge.
Finish: long, waxy with citrus, coconut flakes and oak spices.
The sherry left a very juicy, fruity footprint on this Clynelish which manages to retain its classic character, especially on the palate. Highly drinkable and considering the age this is still quite affordable. Exclusively available from The Whisky Exchange.
Score: 89/100