Whisky Review/Tasting: Clynelish Select Reserve

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Clynelish Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: The whisky is a blend of casks from the single Clynelish Distillery, including first-fill ex-bourbon casks, refill hogsheads, rejuvenated hogsheads, and refill ex-Sherry casks. The exact age of the whisky is not specified, as the blend focuses on achieving a particular flavor profile rather than an age statement.
Color & Bottle Design: The specific color of the whisky is not described, but the packaging includes a green box and a protective printed bottle. The bottle is part of a limited release of 2,946 bottles, with each bottle numbered (e.g., bottle number 2022).

Balance of Flavors: The Clynelish Select Reserve offers a complex and well-balanced flavor profile, with no single flavor overpowering the others.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its fruitiness, particularly apple notes, with vanilla, biscuit, and a faint smokiness adding complexity. The whisky also has earthy tones reminiscent of a moor, and a slight saltiness attributed to its proximity to the sea.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, the Clynelish Select Reserve's complexity and balance of flavors set it apart, especially with its unique combination of cask influences.

Distillery History: Clynelish was originally established in 1890, with the current distillery being a newer construction adjacent to the original Brora distillery, which ceased production in 1983. The narrative around the distillery's history and the transition from Brora to Clynelish adds a layer of intrigue.
Master Blender's Craft: Dr. Jim Beveridge, the master blender, is credited with carefully selecting and blending the casks to create this unique single malt, emphasizing the artistry involved in its creation.

Geographical Influence: The whisky's slight saltiness is attributed to Clynelish's coastal location, although the warehouses are situated high above sea level, minimizing direct sea spray influence. This detail highlights the subtle ways in which geography and environment can influence whisky flavor.

Horst Luening's Impressions: Luening describes the whisky as "very complex" with a "wonderful complex malt" profile and emphasizes that there is "no sign of youthness," indicating a well-matured character despite the lack of an age statement.

Clynelish Select Reserve is a single malt Scotch whisky with a complex flavor profile, including fruitiness, vanilla, biscuit, faint smokiness, and slight saltiness.
It is a blend of casks from the Clynelish Distillery, selected by master blender Dr. Jim Beveridge, focusing on flavor rather than age.
The whisky is part of a limited release, with unique packaging and a focus on the distillery's craftsmanship and geographical influence.
Expert opinions highlight the whisky's complexity and well-matured character.

Whisky Connoisseurs: Individuals with a deep appreciation for the art of whisky blending and maturation will likely enjoy the complexity and craftsmanship of Clynelish Select Reserve.
Collectors: Given its limited release and unique story, collectors seeking rare or special edition whiskies might find this bottle particularly appealing.
Fans of Complex Flavors: Those who enjoy exploring intricate flavor profiles, especially with subtle smoky and salty notes, will find this whisky intriguing.