Clynelish 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 6470) (Berry Bros. & Rudd) Whisky 70cl

Had a wee dram of this on Sarturday 17 May - World Whisky Day - and it was Superb!

N: Compared to the 14yo Boisdale, here there are much clearer fruit notes within a charming sweet honeyed grain package. Unlike the 14yo theres no muddiness, it is a perfectly simple and superb malt with an abundance of honey, sweets and fruits on show. Marzipan and sugar icing coming out now with pepper and orange wood varnish [if that was a thing]. All rather delicate.

T: Much more sugary and buttery, peppery like the 14yo but the sweetness is still in tact in tandem with the pepper - a great combo. Later - banoffee pie, kale, anise and nutty with a surprising speysidey biscuit note.

F: Now the wood and herbal tannins come through but the malt conquerers them, a splendid journey. [This 15yo bottling is reminiscent to how how J. Murray described the 14yo Boisdale]. At the death, an amalgamation of wood, herbal [salty notes] and the gentle malt itself which displays sour and majestic grapefruits. Add water to accentuate everything but the pepper on the front of the palate. Its more creamy now, those bitter maritime notes are stronger too. Its one to add water in the mouth and alternate with neat. Medium finish, dark and white chocolate

C: My 14yo Boisdale was terrible but this is a good one this. Not an easy malt but one to take your time over. The journey order changes and evolves over time, so nurse it. Im getting a bottle!

Scores an A-

I tried this at a recent tasting at the Manchester Whisky Club. It was my dram of the night, lots of exotic fruit and honey with a slight note of smoke on the nose. Palate and mouthfeel both sublime. Shame its now sold out!