This is a Clynelish expression at cask strength that was only for sale at the distillery. It is believed to be a version of the standard Clynelish 14 Year Old at natural strength. It was a one-off bottling, I don’t think the concept of ‘distillery only’ bottlings has been repeated.
Clynelish ‘available only at the distillery’ (57,3%, OB 2008)
Clynelish ‘available only at the distillery’ (57,3%, OB 2008)Nose: very naked, with lemon, yellow apple, dried grass and a lot of waxy notes. Wax candles, buttery notes. Mineral and sharp, but it becomes more aromatic after a while, with subtle but impressive lime and raspberry notes in the background. Candied ginger.
Mouth: oily and creamy, with vanilla custard and apples / apple pie. Pineapple. Then peppery notes, ginger and more wax. Becomes coastal and frankly salty as well, but the candied side never goes away.
Finish: long, waxy, on grapefruit skin and salty liquorice.
A really nice dram. The typical elements of the Clynelish 14 are preserved but the whole is more powerful – a little wild even. Originally priced £ 80, and for £ 5 extra you could have it signed by all thirteen distillery managers and operators.
Score: 88/100