Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 Signatory Un-Chillfiltered for The Bonding Dram

Dim's Drams, Malt Whisky Corner and The Bonding Dram bought this cask together from Signatory from their Un-Chillfiltered Collection, meaning it is bottled at 46%. What is interesting, of course, is that this is a Clynelish from 1997, a vintage known for being good to excellent. Something to look forward to.

The nose is surprisingly soft on grapefruit, a tiny bit of sugar candy and some apples. Not as waxy as previous 1997 bottlings. Some wet grass and lime kick in. With some good will, even a slice of juicy pineapple. Slowly but surely it does become a bit waxy. Good news.

On the palate, it is a lot more waxy, which I find a plus. The sugar candy has to bow to a slightly bitter pith of grape, pink grapefruit and flints, though. Ginger and pepper, but also some quinine, are the spices on duty. Hint of something salty, but all the way in the background.

The finish cannot really be called long but is nice on spices, grapefruit and apples. The salty edge shines through now.

A spring whisky that is very quaffable. You can get a bottle at The Bonding Dram for 49 EUR. Father’s Day gift, anyone?

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