Clynelish 18 Year Old 1997 Liquid Treasures 'Charlie'

Liquid Treasures is a label by the German bottler eSpirits. Allow me to start by saying that I really like the label on this bottle. In this so-called ‘Charlie’ series – clearly referring to Mr Chaplin that is prominently depicted on the labels – there is already an Islay Malt and a Glen Scotia. This Clynelish is another one from 1997, a vintage that is fast becoming quite legendary.

It makes good on its reputation on the nose from the start: waxy (while less than I remember from other 1997 releases) on tropical fruit. Think apricots, pineapple, banana, mandarin, gooseberry and melon. And a nice dose of beeswax. Wonderful, although I expected it to be somewhat more punchy to be honest. It is quite delicate on the nose.

The arrival on the palate is round, creamy, powerful and honeysweet; on the same fruit, albeit in a nice stew this time around. It is very spicy from the first moment. Mostly a mix of peppers and some oak. Hint of camphor. Hint of cardamom. Midpalate a nice bitterness comes cruises along to put the taste completely in balance. Citrus becomes louder all the time.

Good finish. Nice length in which the drying oak allows the fruit to show itself – with some honey – only to return at the death to have the final say.

Another great Clynelish 1997, despite the delicate nose. Oh, lest I forget: water is an option. It is a good swimmer. But it does not need it at all.

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