The Private Stock series from The Whisky Agency must be one of the greatest series of whisky bottled in the past 25 years or so. Thirty whiskies or so, all aces (with no exceptions) and most of them very limited – often just 60 or 80 bottles.
This Clynelish 1972 is the second highest rated Private Stock bottling on Whiskybase, after the excellent Caperdonich 1972.
Clynelish 38 yo 1972 (45,8%, The Whisky Agency ‘Private Stock’ 2010, sherry hogshead, 134 btl.)
Clynelish 38 yo 1972 (45,8%, The Whisky Agency ‘Private Stock’ 2010, sherry hogshead, 134 btl.)Nose: the round, waxy profile with plenty of fruits. That means honeydew, stewed banana, tangerines and lime with some floral honey. Beeswax and pollen. Soft peppery notes and fresh herbs in the background. Maybe a whiff of smoke.
Mouth: same exuberant fruits. Apricots, quinces, citrus peel. Quite jammy, quite honeyed, and always with this superb waxy texture. Hints of almonds and wood spice. Also a slightly salty, even peaty edge.
Finish: long, slightly drier and nuttier, always waxy with hints of orange peels and oak.
Great Clynelish, prominently on the fruity notes and beeswax, with a very light peaty touch. Wonderful whisky. Last time I saw it in an auction, it went for € 1400+.
Score: 93/100