2 Peated whiskies were reviewed last week, it’s time for the 3 remaining whiskies of the show. Let’s start with the Clynelish
Clynelish 11yo , distilled 17/05/2011 , single barrel #800273 , 58.7%, £89.95
Nose: Starting with a lot of fresh dough notes up front, then getting sweeter with bananas, brown sugar, and a hint of pineapple ice cream, creme Anglaise, and the well-known waxiness you expect to find in a Clynelish, give it more time and some hint of lemon and more vanilla reveal themselves.
Palate: Really oily and viscous, almost chewable on the palate, the waxiness is very much noticeable as well as a nice fruitiness mostly on the tropical side with the pineapple from the nose, and banana crumble. A certain spiciness as well with pepper with a bitter finish of grapefruit pith.
Finish: Wax, salt, a hint of sweet dough notes juxtaposed by the bitter citrus pith followed by brine.
Conclusion: Fans of Clynelish are going to love this one. while waxy as expected, the fruit mix and sweet dough vs salty notes make up for a complex 11 yo Clynelish.
Score: 88/100
Imperial 26yo ,distilled 07/02/1996 , vatting of two barrels (#1053 , #1189) , 51.5% ,£375
Nose: Yesss… this is a nice one – starting with loads of ripe fruit – peaches, mango and a herbal edge as well, quite grassy afterwards. As the fruit and grassy notes subside we’re in for a tream if you’re a polished oak fan (and you know that I am). Lots of that polished oak you get with older whisky maturing in good casks, old bookshelves and waxy notes, with some spices and a touch of honey and creme Catalan.
Palate: More of the tropical fruit with ripe mangos, apricots on top of vanilla Ice cream. Just as in the nose, there’s a nice continuation with herbal and grassy notes, some lemon rind, honey and more vanilla custard underneath, polished oak and a hint of licorice completes this complex and highly enjoyable palate.
Finish: Medium long with aprictos, chocolate and some herbal notes to finish with.
Conclusion: An excellent older Imperial, showcasing great casks, fruity, herbal, with just the right balance of oak , spice and fruit. Highly recommended, yet not cheap.
Score: 91/100
Linkwood 16yo distilled , 24/07/2006 vatting of two hogsheads(#801604 &
#801605) , 56.5%, £87.95
Nose: Key lime pies to start with, then we’re off to granny smith apples, green pears sliced and placed on top of muesli , drizzled with syrup (or honey?!) , then getting a bit mineral and floral with a hint of fresh camomile pollen and cereals. Light, zesty and fresh.
Palate: Starting with some spice heat (white pepper, ginger?) then more cereals and baked bread, alongside the zesty lemon, and a toutch of green sour kiwis, hints of floral notes (can’t really place the actual flower, but you get what i mean, right?), green grapes creamy barley, and wood.
Finish: More barley notes, bitter grape pith, lemon rind and grass.
Conclusion: A very fresh and drinkable whisky, light yet full of flavor. A morning whisky, or a summery dram, if there ever was one. Not utra complex, but if you’re a fan of the Linkwood profile, this might be a solid choice, also quite affordable (yes, today’s whisky prices are quite over the top, we know).
Score: 85/100
Bottom line:
A very nice trio, with great variation in price, and profile. If you can afford the Imperial and love that sort of profiel, I’d pick that one for sure. The clynelish is also lovely and more affordable.
All 5 whiskies should be available on the TWE website soon.