A final dram in this little series of Belgian releases. A couple of weeks ago, we tried the Bladnoch 1991 bottled for the 5th Anniversary of The Bonding Dram. The 20 whisky lovers who selected that Bladnoch cask, also picked a second cask, a Clynelish 1997. They couldn’t choose between the two, let’s see if I can…

Clynelish 1997 (55,7%, The Bonding Dram 2012, hogshead #5733)

Nose: typical Clynelish. It starts on graphite and pencil shavings, with a generous amount of candle wax and paraffin. It then grows sweeter and fruitier, with honeydew melon, pears and pineapples. A little vanilla and almond paste too, in a creamy, rounded way that reminds us of much older Clynelish (1982 in particular). Whiffs of guimauves. Beautiful evolution from sharper, mineral notes towards juicy roundness. Mouth: again this balance of zesty notes, a soft bitterness, ginger and a briney coastal edge together with sweet fruity notes. Grapefruit, lime and the right amount of fruit gums. Wax obviously. A little oak as well. Finish: long, clean, citrusy with a faint oaky bitterness.

An excellent Clynelish, I’d even say the best young Clynelish I’ve had so far. A great pick, recommended. Available just now, € 65.

Score: 90/100