Ok, sometimes weird things happen here at the WL headquarters … Like missing this sample of a Clynelish 1989 that was well hidden in my sample drawer. I may be known as fairly chaotic, but this is a bit strange even for me. ? So by this my sincere apologies for this huge over-the-date review, I feel deeply ashamed and I hope you can forgive me.
This Clynelish was bottled in 2018, the year Gordon & MacPhail celebrated the 50th anniversary of their Connoisseurs Choice range. Created in 1968 to give the lesser known distilleries a platform to have their wisky enjoyed as a single malt. A progressive and unusual step at the time, but one that worked out very well.
This Clynelish has matured refill American hogshead and is bottled at 49.3% ABV.
Clynelish 1989 tasting notes:
Nose: Very nice nose! Quite fresh in the beginning. Citrus, a little briny even. Some waxy notes. Followed by oranges and a hint of coconut. Sweet pastry. Some plastic smell in the background. A little vanilla and a touch of grapefruit.
Taste: Quite sweet, vanilla and a sugary sweetness. Briny too. Citrus, but less than the nose suggests. Some grapefruit in the background. Quite a thick mouthfeeling, oily. Reminds me of olives.
Finish: the finish is mid-long with citrus and grapefruit. Also a briny note here.
A gorgeous dram, with an even better nose. I love it!
Sample provided by Gordon & MacPhail.
