cigardawg
Active Member
Well, here is the first of three reviews on some scotches that I recently tried. I'll post the others over the next few days. I don't have the experienced palate that AVB does, but here it goes anyway.
Clynelish, Highland Scotch, Signatory bottling, unchillfiltered. Bottled at 43% (86 proof). Distilled October 1991 and bottled in June 2005 at just short of 14 years. Standard tall bottle. No additional packaging.
Color: Fino sherry to chardonnay. Cloudy upon chilling with ice.
Nose: Neat, there was a subtle wine sweetness behind the alcohol, almost like a Riesling. With some ice added, the grain and malt opened up to mix with the wine sweetness. The ice released the most minute bit of smoke.
Taste: Neat, the Clynelish was hot, with some oak on the front, followed by the alcohol and then some additional oak, sweet grain, and a hint of smoke. The ice cube tamed it, calming the oak and bringing up the grain and malt. There was also some pleasant sour apple or other fruit that worked the sides of the tongue.
Finish: This scotch had a short finish with only the tiniest bit of smoke and a slightly astringent mouthfeel.
Balance: This was a light-bodied scotch, perfect for a warm evening. The grain and malt worked well together between the nose and palate. The minute smoke left a pleasant feeling in the mouth. Overall, the scotch works. It is nothing earth-shattering, but a pleasant dram that I feel comfortable recommending.
Clynelish, Highland Scotch, Signatory bottling, unchillfiltered. Bottled at 43% (86 proof). Distilled October 1991 and bottled in June 2005 at just short of 14 years. Standard tall bottle. No additional packaging.
Color: Fino sherry to chardonnay. Cloudy upon chilling with ice.
Nose: Neat, there was a subtle wine sweetness behind the alcohol, almost like a Riesling. With some ice added, the grain and malt opened up to mix with the wine sweetness. The ice released the most minute bit of smoke.
Taste: Neat, the Clynelish was hot, with some oak on the front, followed by the alcohol and then some additional oak, sweet grain, and a hint of smoke. The ice cube tamed it, calming the oak and bringing up the grain and malt. There was also some pleasant sour apple or other fruit that worked the sides of the tongue.
Finish: This scotch had a short finish with only the tiniest bit of smoke and a slightly astringent mouthfeel.
Balance: This was a light-bodied scotch, perfect for a warm evening. The grain and malt worked well together between the nose and palate. The minute smoke left a pleasant feeling in the mouth. Overall, the scotch works. It is nothing earth-shattering, but a pleasant dram that I feel comfortable recommending.
