As soon as I pour the second half of my sample, a lovely sherry nose blows over to me. I'm a little afraid to write sensible notes after enjoying these 25 cl. It's just not enough for me. Well then:
When swirling in the snifter, the Clynelish moves with leaden weight in the glass - viscous - just as if it were a light oil. It takes a while for tender legs to form. The whisky seems to stick to the crystal. With my current lighting, it shimmers in a wonderful, dark golden brown.
Nose: Immediately I take a rosy sweetness. The alcohol remains in the background, it is very delicate, but only as a transporter of the aromas. I think I recognize chocolate, milk chocolate that melts in brandy. Yes, liquefying brandy beans hit it pretty well. Already on the nose it feels elegant and since it is a Clynelish, I of course smell some wax. But without flax, this wax note is very delicate, a hint of grandma's stairwell, just a hint.
I associate something berry with rum pot, or rather punch. Red berries, some plum, maybe a pinch of cinnamon. Then again the raisins put their sweet coat over the other flavors.
Palate: Elegant as on the nose, so also on the palate. Just at the transition to the outlet, the tongue reports that it could have been alcohol that just danced over it. I just realize that it is 50.3 vol. % has, blatant, how great they are involved.
The Clynelish feels nice and creamy and very pleasantly lines the mouth. Bliss! I no longer find the raisins, but instead blackberries / currants, but fully ripe and sweet.
Finish: it goes as elegantly as it came. The chocolate is now darker, but by no means bitter. Maybe espresso, maybe hot chocolate with whipped cream and cocoa powder on it. I would classify its slightly nutty disappearance as medium to long. This drop celebrates a longer farewell, in a good tone without any disharmony or missing note. What a pleasure!
Conclusion: For me a special, wonderful whisky that comes and goes as a gentleman despite its alcohol strength. A wonderfully scented sherry note almost manages to cover up the Clynelish wax. He is a flatterer in every respect, a seducer.
Well, no, it's a pity that I only had one sample.
As you can see, my initial fear was not confirmed, it made it easy for me.