Clynelish Select Reserve (2015)

 

 

 

Clynelish Select Reserve was introduced in the 2014 Special Releases. The fact that it had no age statement received quite some angry comments (considering the price) but for this year we have a bit more information.

It’s a mix of four different vintages, the youngest component being 15 years old. All major cask types were used: ex-bourbon first-fill American oak barrels, rejuvenated and refill American oak hogsheads and ex-Sherry and refill European oak butts.

 

 

Clynelish Select Reserve (56,1%, OB 2015, Special Release, 2946 btl.)

Nose: It seems less waxy than previous years, but rather more fruity. We can’t be against fruity. Lime, pink grapefruit, but also mango and passion fruits which is nice. Hay. Then subtle mineral notes, a bit of candle wax, delicate vanilla cream. Clynelish with a dash of Tomatin or BenRiach.

Mouth: clearly more waxy notes now, and warming toffee, before the fruity notes take over. Then peach, orange candy, red apples, honey. Great balance of fruits and minerals. Custardy notes. Gentle bitterness and a salty twist towards the end.

Finish: long, oaky (pepper, nutmeg), salt and menthol.

This Clynelish Select Reserve is nicely different from last year’s. It’s fruitier on the nose and more classic on the palate. Overall my favourite of the two. Around € 650.

Score: 91/100