Another TastToe exclusive, again sourced from the Signatory Vintage stocks to celebrate the opening of the new store. This time it’s an affordable Clynelish 1996.
Although 47.7% may not seem extremely high, it is bottled at natural strength.
Clynelish 20 yo 1996 (47,7%, Signatory Vintage ‘Un-chillfiltered’ for TastToe 2017, hogshead #11447, 129 btl.)
Clynelish 20 yo 1996 (47,7%, Signatory Vintage ‘Un-chillfiltered’ for TastToe 2017, hogshead #11447, 129 btl.)Nose: classic. Warm fruity notes (peaches, ripe gooseberries, lemon candy) and the expected candle wax / beeswax notes, as well as some marzipan. Subtle hints of chalk and plasticine. Kirsch. Back to paraffin. Subtle hints of marshmallow. A rather rounded version, more waxiness than mineral notes – pretty lovely.
Mouth: very oily, waxy spirit with a fatty texture. Candles, something more towards motor oil now. Still some sweet fruits underneath (tangerines, lemon drops). Quite perfect really. Vanilla custard. A touch of mint.
Finish: medium long, on lemons, honey and wax.
Just great, waxy Clynelish, exactly as it should be. A perfect daily dram too. Available for around € 90 – recommended but I doubt there are many bottles left.
Score: 89/100