Clynelish 12 Year Old 1997 A.D. Rattray

The story of Brora & Clynelish has been explained before. The first whisky is almost legendary, the second highly praised by many connoisseurs. So this week I will try a couple of Clynelish and Brora. Let me start with this 12 Year Old from A.D. Rattray at cask strength from a bourbon cask.

The nose is quite soft and mineral. Quite fresh, even. White fruit and hints of citrus and tangerines. Lemongrass becomes louder all the time. Some eucalyptus and beeswax, rather typical for Clynelish. A whiff of potpourri. Something that reminds me of the peel of a green banana. And a soft saltiness as if from a 4 Beaufort seabreeze. Pleasant enough, while not grand. Adding water offers some gyproc.

On the palate, it is quite alcoholic and spicy. Think pepper and cloves, but also loads of oak. The fruit tends towards citrus again. This needs water. Diluted some more white fruit emerges, pears in the lead. Ginger and pepper join the party.

The finish is long and spicy with a salty twist at the death.

A nice summer whisky, expressing itself best with a good helping of water.

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