Clynelish 1997, nicknamed Cayenne Cocoa Bean by the tasting panel at Wemyss Malts. It’s part of their latest batch of single cask releases.
Clynelish 1997 ‘Cayenne Cocoa Bean’ (46%, Wemyss Malts 2014, hogshead, 373 btl.)
Clynelish 1997 ‘Cayenne Cocoa Bean’ (46%, Wemyss Malts 2014, hogshead, 373 btl.)Nose: typical Clynelish waxiness and oiliness, paraffin, lemons and apple skin. Some oranges as well. Vanilla. Plenty of brine and quite some pepper as well. Hints of buttercups.
Mouth: a slightly bittersweet profile, with sweet apples, lemonade and jellybeans. Then more crystallized grapefruit and orange zest. Underneath there’s always a slight peppery heat and an oaky kick. A little icing sugar. Some slightly fragrant notes as well, a kind of lemon soap but without the nasty soapiness (does that make sense?).
Finish: long, bittersweet, with citrus zest and indeed hints of spiced chocolate.
A good Clynelish 1997 – we’ve had plenty of them and this one stood out a little. Lots of vanilla, spices and interesting variations on citrus. Around € 90.
Score: 86/100