Sutherland 5 yo 2022

 

 

 

48,5°

Distillery : Dornoch, Clynelish, Brora - Highlands

Independent Bottling 

By Thompson Bros.

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

The Sutherland distillery doesn't exist, it's a code name for Clynelish when you can't name it. Here, we're talking about Clynelish, but mainly Dornoch, and also a touch of Brora (only for 1% of the Blend, or so I was told). Three Highland distilleries, two highly prestigious, the other just emerging. The Dornoch is certainly only 5 years old, the Clynelish is certainly older, and the Brora must be. It's 5 years old, but it's not just 5 years old. The Dornoch distillery is owned by the Thompson brothers, so it's not entirely an independent bottling. Unfortunately, we don't know anything about the maturation process, but it must be mainly Bourbon casks. 590 bottles were released. Given the success of the first edition, a second edition was launched in 2023, and even a third in 2024. But this is the only one to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Whiskyfun, the famous website that comments on virtually every whisky released.  

Let's Taste It : 

Woodwax, lacquered parquet, yellow fruits and farmhouse fragrances, plums hidden in the hay. Rather liquid honey, a touch of iodine, even limestone and foam. Velvety oak, lemongrass, pineapple and green apples, dates and quinces, soft caramel. An ounce of smoke to embellish it all. The palate is silky and delicate, with wood and polish, lychee juice, rosewater, beeswax, and a few spices such as pepper, cumin and cloves. Long, oily finish, royal jelly, orgeat syrup, a few drops of lemon, hazelnuts.

In Short, 

It's interesting and original, a bit old school. The marriage between Clynelish and Dornoch is quite good, you can feel the youthful ardour of Dornoch, and the authentic, inimitable character of Clynelish. My heart tells me you can also feel the Brora, but my head says no. That said, it's good, but it's closer to sympathetic curiosity than earth-shattering novelty. I think the price is a bit high for what it is. It's very easy to drink though, and it's the kind of bottle you finish without realising it.

Score : 87

                                         

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

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