Clynelish 22 Year Old 1989 Thosop

In recent months, Dominiek Bouckaert, the guy behind the label ‘The Whiskyman’, is also responsible for the output of Thosop (in collaboration with Luc Timmermans). So it comes as no surprise that a Clynelish passes in review. In this case, it is a 22 Year Old single bourbon barrel at cask strength, bottled in the Handwritten Label range.

The nose is very fruity and creamy. Gooseberry, blueberry, apple pie and lemon tart. In short: fruit and pastry, with a load of vanilla. But the typical coastal character that Clynelish aficionados relish, is certainly there. Wet rocks and some sea salt, while the fruit no doubt keeps the upper hand. Nicely spiced as well. This is the good stuff!

Ooh, the palate is spoiled with a truckload of sweet citrus. Like those caramelized orange slices dipped in chocolate, but without the chocolate. Well. You know what I mean. Creamy on vanilla, beeswax, caramel en very spicy on black pepper and cloves. Reminds me a bit of the Clynelish 1989 from Malts of Scotland that I tried a few weeks back. But this one is closer to the classic Clynelish profile. More coastal elements (wet stones and some seaweeds), even though the sweetness dominates.

The finish. Oh, yes, the Finish. This is a minute long pleasure ride of sweet fruit and smoke. One could do (a lot) worse.

This is the kind of whisky that can easily demand an hour of my attention (although you can simply enjoy it without thinking too much about it as well, obviously). Does not need water whatsoever. This is a cracker dram and one of the best Clynelish I have tried so far. Will set you back about 130 EUR.

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