Clynelish 17 Year Old 1998 Signatory Vintage Collection

The Vintage Collection by Signatory is somewhat lesser known, but does not contain any lesser malts. Take this Clynelish 1998, for example, bottled at drinking strength in 2016. Two hogsheads were married for this release.

The nose is surprisingly tropical, if you know what I mean. Baked apples, raisins and even a hint of – don’t laugh – curry ketchup. Dark acacia honey with a hint of maple syrup. Pineapple, litchi, even some raspberries. The typical waxiness is somewhat less than usual, but still there. Citrus quickly starts to dominate. Toffee keeps the whole somewhat sweet. Fine.

The body is creamy, the arrival sweet. The tropical fruit moves over for rather domestic white fruit. Apples and pears sit right next to the lemon and lime. Barley sugars. Mildly spicy. Hint of white chocolat. Vanilla. I like it.

The medium long finish starts spicy and becomes quite dry.

It is interesting how the nose and palate of this malt are so different. Having said that, this is again a lovely Clynelish. Is there any other?

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