Whisky Review/Tasting: Clynelish 21 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Clynelish Distillery, located in the Northern Highlands, north of Inverness on the east coast along the North Sea Shore, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Date: October 18, 1996.
Bottling Date: November 23, 2017.
Age Statement: 21 years.
ABV: 46%.
Maturation Process: Matured in a refill butt, with the first filling being sherry and the second (first Scottish fill) being whisky. This particular cask number is 8796, yielding 419 bottles.
Color and Clarity: Uncolored, unchill filtered.
Bottle Design: Not specifically described, but it's from Signatory Vintage, an independent bottler known for their distinctive labeling and presentation.

Balance of Flavors: Complex and full, yet smooth and mild at the beginning. The flavors build up gradually, offering a balanced mix of smokiness, maritime character, and citrus notes.
Unique Characteristics: The Clynelish 21 Years combines a slight smokiness with a maritime character and a light citrus note in the background, which is distinctive of the Clynelish distillery. The flavor evolves on the palate, starting smooth and mild, then introducing licorice and spiciness from the oak, with a light bitterness from the sherry butt in the aftertaste.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, the unique combination of maritime and smoky notes with a citrus background sets it apart. The influence of the refill sherry butt adds complexity without overpowering sweetness.

Distillery Visit: Horst Luening visited Clynelish in 1995, describing it as a large distillery with plans for significant investment and refurbishment.
Production Insights: Clynelish is highlighted as a "workhorse" for the blended whisky industry, with its heavy maritime note being a valuable component for adding character to blends.

Geographical Location: The distillery's location on the North Sea Shore contributes to its maritime character, which is a defining aspect of Clynelish whiskies.
Historical Context: The investment in the distillery and its role in the blended whisky industry underscore its importance in Scottish whisky heritage.

"This is a whiskey for a price, which is quite rare today. 21-year-old whiskey, typically three-digit figures and this is from 1996 21 years old."
"It's a really affordable whiskey for 21 years of age and a good one."

Clynelish 21 Years is a single malt Scotch whisky from the Northern Highlands, matured in a refill sherry butt.
It offers a complex flavor profile with a balance of smokiness, maritime character, and light citrus notes.
The whisky is noted for its smooth start, building up to a mix of licorice and oak spiciness, with a light bitterness in the aftertaste.
The distillery's significant role in the blended whisky industry and its geographical location contribute to its unique character.
Priced affordably for its age, this limited release (419 bottles) from Signatory Vintage is highly recommended for enthusiasts.

For the Whisky Connoisseur: The complexity and unique balance of flavors make this a must-try, especially given its rarity and affordable price for its age.
For the Maritime Flavor Lover: Those who appreciate the influence of a distillery's coastal location on its whisky will find the maritime character of Clynelish 21 Years particularly appealing.
For the Collector: The limited availability and the story behind this independent bottling make it a worthy addition to any collection.
For the Budget-Conscious Enthusiast: This whisky offers exceptional value for a 21-year-old single malt, making it accessible to those looking to explore aged whiskies without breaking the bank.