Style: Fruity and Waxy
Nose:
A frosty mint breeze bringing in lemons, honeycomb, oranges and apples. Spice getting feisty again, while Royal jelly and citrus drops forming a waxy sweetness underneath. Malt levitates but feeling slightly undercooked, which is swiftly covered by crisp green apples. Just a touch of coconut cream tagging on the barley at its tail.
Palate:
The touchdown marks a round and waxy sweetness with light peat brushes. Starting with Pink Ladies and Granny Smith, which slowly transition to citrus orange while honeycomb applies the heavier touches and enhancing the texture at the same time. The young and green make shows up with the oak this time, syrupy malt carrying laces of sandalwood scent. Crushed cornflakes and cereal biscuits to finish.
Finish:
Softened orchard fruits and citrus fruits retreating in slow motion. Elusive fragrance lingers.
Thoughts:
Can this be a Pulteney? Maybe. But I am quite convinced this is a Clynelish and it is explicitly suggested on the label. Anyway, this is a youthful “Secret Highland” which shows why this distillery has such a cult following in recent years. The balance between the fruits, wax and peat is beautifully struck that makes it so delicious. Now, I might be a harsh critic, the spirit does feel a bit green at the back. Maybe this cask will improve if we can wait for another few years, but I think the market does not have the patience to wait for that to happen, and if we blinked, we will miss out on this completely. Close to one star.
✓+ [Recommended if you like the style/ distillery]
-Esmond
[52.4%| Independent bottling| 2010 Distilled| 2020 Bottled| 120 Bottles| t+]
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