Clynelish 14 Year Old
There's a certain mystique surrounding Clynelish 14 Year Old - a whisky that has always left me feeling torn. On one hand, there's an undeniable allure to its image and bottle design, drawing me in with an irresistible pull. Yet, on the other hand, there's a lingering doubt—a feeling that perhaps this isn't a whisky meant for me, that our tastes may not align. It's a perplexing sensation, one that I struggle to rationalise and articulate. For months, this bottle has sat on my shelf, untouched, as if waiting for the right moment to be uncorked and explored. And now, at long last, that moment has arrived as I embark on this journey to uncover the true essence of Clynelish 14 Year Old.
Bottle
While the tall and elegant bottle may not typically catch my eye (much like the Cragganmore 12), there's something distinctly captivating about the Clynelish 14's presentation. The label, adorned with the image of a wildcat - originating from the Sutherland coat of arms, the Duke of which founded the original distillery in 1819 - strikes a perfect balance between modernity and tradition. Though it may not align perfectly with my personal preferences, there's an undeniable elegance to its design that commands respect.
Colour
Similar to the Craigellachie 13 from my recent exploration, Clynelish 14 boasts a rich hue reminiscent of Sherry or Muscat. However, whether this colour is natural or enhanced remains a mystery, leaving a tinge of wonder as to what its natural colour may be.
Nose - Upon nosing, the whisky reveals intriguing layers of lemon zest and dried orange, evoking images of aged, rather than fresh, citrus fruit. Behind these citrus notes lies a distinct barley scent that grows more pronounced with time in the glass. I don’t detect the aroma from the distillery's tasting notes which mentions scented candle wax, however, the nose certainly has a waxy quality even if doesn’t smell like candles.
Palate - The palate unveils flavours of caramel and toffee, accompanied by a luxurious oily texture that envelops the mouth. A hint of peat emerges, along with a briny saltiness that gives away the whisky's coastal origins half way between Inverness and John o’Groats, adding depth and complexity to the tasting experience.
Finish - As the dram fades, the finish is surprisingly short yet intense, with a burst of saltiness reminiscent of sea spray. A peppery zing lingers on the palate, leaving a lasting impression long after the whisky has been savoured. It almost feels as though the whisky doesn’t touch the inside of your mouth as it passes by, with only the zing left in its place.
Overall
Clynelish 14 is a whisky of contradictions—fruitiness, saltiness, and pepperiness converge in a harmonious balance that defies categorisation. Its unique mouthfeel, characterised by a waxy or oily sensation, sets it apart from the crowd, offering a truly distinctive tasting experience. While it may not become a regular fixture on my shelf (partly due to its price point - around currently £50), there's no denying the allure of this fascinating dram. I urge any whisky enthusiast to embark on their own journey with this dram and discover its secrets for themselves.
Available from Master of Malt for around £50, or check price and availability at Amazon