Clynelish from sherry casks is often a hit-or-miss in my book, but I have to admit we’ve rarely had a pitch black sherry butt like this one. It is an Ibisco decanter exclusive to Kirsch Import, sourced from Signatory Vintage.
Clynelish 25 yo 1996 (52,3%, Signatory Vintage for Kirsch Import 2022, sherry butt #11382, 473 btl.)
Nose: raspberry jam and stewed plums, as well as rum and raisins and fresh herbs (rosemary and sage). Hints of apfelstrüdel. Plenty of chocolate coated nuts, with a dash of sherry brandy. Mushrooms. Then a fragrant top note as well, in between rose petals and Bubblicious gum. This is a modern style of sherry, GlenAllachie or Tamdhu come to mind.
Mouth: quite meaty but not without fruits either. Lots of rummy notes, red berries and raisins, with some oak varnish. Then it moves towards sourish coffee and herbal tea. The wood is strong with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, chocolate and tobacco, but overall it’s more of a sourness instead of the expected dryness. Liqourice and soy sauce, with just a wee hint of rubber. Really good but not leaving much room for the original character of the spirit.
Finish: quite long, on caramelized plums, chocolate, leather and sour woody notes. Also a hint of green tea flavoured with red fruits.
Let’s just forget how great Clynelish can be in a refill cask without any sherry. This is also high quality. That said, you’re probably paying a big premium for the name Clynelish, but you’re not really getting its character. Sold out, of course.