Clynelish 1996 Càrn Mòr Celebration of the Cask 21 yo

 

 

 

51,6°

Distillery : Clynelish - Highlands 

Sherry Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Morrison and MacKay

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 8 ppm

 

 

 

This is the second bottling from the Celebration of the Cask range that I've had the pleasure of tasting. The previous one is quite simply my favourite whisky, so expectations are high. A Clynelish matured in a sherry single cask for 21 years, and shared in 293 bottles, it can't be bad anyway.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A rather dry, almost cereal-like sherry at first, followed by tasty fruits, prunes, mirabelles, mixed with damp old wood, Madeira, fleshy, fat earth, the wind in the wheat. Perhaps a hint of iodine? No, it's more the fruits that have macerated, ointment rather than wax, and a hint of lemon. Apricot. Quince jam. Shade of peat. Clay. After a while, a light smoke sublimates the whole. A dash of vanilla. Slight bitterness on the palate, followed very quickly by spices: cumin, pepper, nutmeg. Prickly pear, melon. A touch of coffee. The finish is very long and powerful, with an espresso flavour, hazelnut, coffee grounds, chocolate beans.

 

In Short, 

This one is rather original for a Clynelish, less waxed, less exotic fruits, more macerated fruits. The lemon is discreet. Nevertheless, it is excellent, even beautiful, with notes of earth and smoke that give it good depth. But the spices are still a little strong on the palate. All in all, it's a pure delight to savour, and there's no need to hesitate if you find one last copy, provided, of course, you have the right bank account.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                          Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova - Falling Slowly