Clynelish 1988 Review

Country: Scotland 

Region: Highland - North

Brand: Clynelish 1988 (Edition Spirits)

Type: Single Malt Whisky

Age: 23 Years

ABV: 50 %

Date: 16/06/2013

Colour: Light Golden

Nose: When I opened the sample I was welcomed by Juicy Barley. Almost like Beer. In the glass however, Oak, Vanilla, Buttered Toast and Straw are in the lead, strongly suggesting this Clynelish matured in Ex-Bourbon Casks. A bit of Alcohol there as well as might be expected given the high ABV. Reminded me somewhat of an older Bourbon. The Nose doesn't open up very easily. After a while some timid Floral - and Fruity tones appear as well as hints of Maraschino Cherries and Honey. Overall I get a Woody, Earthy Farmyard impression when Nosing this Clynelish.

Palate: Strong, Herbal, Spicy delivery with Malt, Grass, Oak, Vanilla, Licorice, Cinnamon and Pepper.

Finish: Middle-Long and Dry with Vanilla, Oak, Tea, Honey, Licorice and Spices.

I added a bit of Water and I get some Barley back in the Nose. Hints of Citrus as well. Fruity and Floral Tones are somewhat reinforced. Palate and Finish become slightly Sweeter while also presenting Lemon and a certain smoothness. I advise you to experiment with some Water here.

Rating: 83

Nose: 21- Taste: 21 - Finish: 20.5 - Overall: 20.5

General Remarks: This Clynelish was distilled in 1988 and bottled at Cask Strength in 2012. It matured in Cask # 009/04. This expression is part of The First Edition bottlings by Edition Spirits. It's not coloured artificially nor Chill-filtered. It costs around 170 US Dollars but the availability is limited. 

Edition Spirits is an Independent bottler founded in 2010 by Andrew and Scott Laing. The Clynelish Distillery was opened in 1819 and rebuilt in 1896. In 1968 a new Clynelish Distillery was erected nearby and the old Distillery was renamed Brora (The Bridges River). Brora was closed in May 1983 and part of the buildings are used by Clynelish, now owned by Diageo.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Conclusion: 23 years in a Cask is a long time and it's quite natural that Wood and Wood Spice are very important cornerstones of this Clynelish. If you like older (6-8 year) Bourbons you will probably like this Highlander. Personally I prefer a slightly more balanced profile and I would have liked to see a stronger Fruit component. This can't be a cheap whisky of course so I would advise you to try out a sample first to check out whether this Clynelish matches your preferred flavour profile.

Jan van den Ende                                                               June 2013