Clynelish 1995

10 year old Highland 59.3 % vol

1 of only 698 bottles from cask 12783

In his seminal Notes To A Cellar Book (1920) Professor George Saintsbury mentioned Clynelish as a particular favourite. This example is from a refill Sherry butt (unusual for this malt, which is usually filled into American wood). It has a burnished amber hue, and the identity of both the wood and the make comes across well on first nosing: crème brulee, with scented smoke and candlewax, developing into treacle toffee. Water gives much of the same, with a hint (only) of matchbox striker, and some bruised-pear fruitiness. The flavour is only slightly waxy, but full in the mouth, burnt-sugar sweet and well balanced. Excellent for its age and a good example of balancing distillery and wood character.

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