There was quite the hullabaloo when Diageo announced that its 2017 Special Releases series would include a blended malt for the first time. Luckily, Collectivum XXVIII lives up to the hype. Not only does the expression include malt from every single operational Diageo distillery*, its also really rather lovely. It's the only blend of its kind ever released, and at 57.3% ABV, it packs quite the (tasty) punch.
*There's 28. We counted them: Auchroisk, Benrinnes, Blair Athol, Caol Ila, Cardhu, Clynelish, Cragganmore, Dailuaine, Dalwhinnie, Dufftown, Glendullan, Glen Elgin, Glenkinchie, Glenlossie, Glen Ord, Glen Spey, Inchgower, Knockando, Lagavulin, Linkwood, Mannochmore, Mortlach, Oban, Roseisle, Royal Lochnagar, Strathmill, Talisker and Teaninich.
Waxy with some ginger off that bat - Clynelish appears to play a meaningful role here. Perfumed with a touch of tonic before a little water reveals stewed fruits and Turkish delight.
Aniseed stands out with caramel. Pleasant creamy mouthfeel. Hints of allspice and clove but the spice never threatens to overpower.
Spicy and nutty with a hint of smoke.
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Was: £128.00Now: £78.00
With rating.
Outstanding! This has so much going on, but it all works together... closest to a mighty Brora currently under release, in my opinion, and at a fraction of the price. So this must surely lead with the Clynelish. Like the Broras: the sweet and bright notes (salted toffee and pear) check; the “old” notes (so-called ‘animal’ and mustard, with all their complexity) check; the very lightly-peated notes for wonderful savoury texture, check. For those that love complex highlands, this is brilliant.
Got this in a tasting set , have always been a single malt man but this blend is excellent , intense flavours and packs a real punch , top class dram
I sampled this at the Whisky Show after sampling the 2017 Brora. The nose of the two whiskies were very similar. If you like Clynelish you will like the Collectivum.
