Cladach (Special Release 2018) 70cl Whisky
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Cladach (Special Release 2018)
The final and very mysterious bottling from the Diageo Special Releases 2018, the identity of Cladach was kept under wraps longer than the other editions in the range and, to be honest, the name itself isn't particularly illuminating. Is it a new distillery bottling? Is it a typo? Is it a blended malt from six coastal distilleries including Caol Ila, Clynelish, Lagavulin, Oban, Inchgower and Talisker?
Oh, wait - it's the last one. Cladach is a continuation of the same thinking that brought us the Collectivum XXVIII (the blended malt made using the liquid from every operational Diageo distillery) last year. This year the blend features just six distilleries, but this does provide the blend with a greater clarity of style of flavour.
The limited release coastal colossus was matured in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks, refill American oak hogsheads, refill European oak butts and ex-bodega European oak butts before it was bottled at a natural cask strength 57.1% ABV.
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
Nose
Cladah opens with rich, dark fruits, distant bonfire smoke, petrichor, and leafy pine, before seaweed, salted caramel, and orange oil come through. Lemon drizzle cake and an aromatic fresh air note lift proceedings.
Palate
Both sweeter and smokier on the palate with wood smoke, blackberry, stewed apple, and hard toffee. Liquorice Allsorts, honeycomb and a dash of mint keep it lively.
Finish
Gently drying with dark chocolate and more of that smoke, dried orange peel and a dash of vanilla.
Overall
The coast in a glass. And it really is lovely.
