Clynelish from 1997! Somehow that’s an epic year for Clynelish. Unfortunately I don’t know why it is that some years work so very well for some distilleries (1997 for Clynelish, 1995 for Bowmore, 1981 for Lochside, 1978 for Port Ellen, 1976 for BenRiach, 1972 for Caperdonich, and so on). When you do the distillery tour you generally hear statement about nothing being changed in decades, and yet a lot has changed. Sometimes these variables add up to epic booze after some years.

Anyway, a 17 year old Clynelish from a Dutch whisky club that I’m not part of. From a bottler of which I don’t think I’ve ever had anything. Still, who am I to say no to this kind of stuff?

Image from Whiskybase

Sniff:
Waxy with straw, marram grass, some dry oak and garden herbs. A tiny bit of vanilla, and maybe some olive oil.

Sip:
More smooth than expected. A bit drier and some peppery heat after a while. Oily and waxy, even a little syrupy. Grass and straw, all rather dry.

Swallow:
The beeswax is very prominent on the finish, with hints of herbs (rosemary, thyme, maybe sage). A bit more oak and the oily mouthfeel lingers.

This is everything you hope 1997 Clynelish to be. Rather quintessential with lots of lovely Highland flavors, and the waxiness you always hope to find in Clynelish. Good stuff, and a good selection by DWS!

89/100

Clynelish 1997-2014, 17yo, 52.5%, Bourbon cask 5742 The Whisky Cask for Dutch Whisky Society.

Of course it’s sold out, but back in the day it went for 70 euros. Those were good times 😉