In 2016 Signatory released this 20 years old Clynelish from the ‘magical year’ of 1995 in this beautiful decanter. The Decanter Collection was cut to 43%. But 40% or 43% can sometimes still lead to lovely things. While the cask type is not mentioned, we believe this was a sherry butt or may very well have been a manzanilla cask. Whatever the case, this is a very quaffable Clynelish and the modest ABV does not detract. Recommended!
This Clynelish is a rare bottling for the Cask Strength Collection by Signatory Vintage. One of only 840 bottles. 20 Year Old.
From Clynelish Distillery Selected, produced and bottled by Signatory Vintage Scotch Whisky Co. Ltd.
CLYNELISH 1995 SIGNATORY DECANTER COLLECTION #8691 (STK0001)
NOSE
The typical waxiness from Clynelish is combined with walnut cake with honey, a freshly struck match (only for a bit) and all kinds of citrus fruit, both fresh and candied. I am even reminded of nachos with cheese sauce for a second. Or miso soup. Exciting!
TASTE
this is textbook Clynelish. Typical creamy, waxy notes of leather, oranges with even a salty note. Yes, oranges start to dominate, but I can live with that. Parsley peeks around the corner. Some more earthy notes, some vanilla and – don’t laugh – a single drop of blood. Very good!
FINISH
And in the finish – which is surprisingly long – that salty edge returns for an encore.
This may very well have been a manzanilla cask. Whatever the case, this is a very quaffable Clynelish and the modest ABV does not detract. Recommended!