Clynelish 10 Year Old 1992 Hedges & Butler

A friend from Germany recently sent me a 'blind' sample with the request of trying to identify it. A bit of a test. But I am happy to take on this challenge, although I realize it is a very difficult, but also very fun, exercise. I tried it, wrote these notes and sent them to Michael. Only afterwards did he let me know what I had tasted.

Fresh nose on loads of citrus. A touch of pineapple cubes, malt, hint of pilsner (the good kind), hazelnuts and some dandelions. Softly spiced on ginger and a lot of liquorice. Nice evolution. Some candle wax. No, it is paraffin. Becomes quite waxy indeed.

Soft arrival on the palate, but very expressive from the get go. The waxiness from the nose is even more pronounced on the palate. The fruit is white. Think appels and a single pear. Some citrus, but not as much as on the nose. A nice smokiness and a touch of peat.

Long finish on spices and white fruit. Bittersweet death.

Sturdy malt that does not disappoint. If I had to gamble, I would say this is a young Clynelish.

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A few days after reading my tasting notes, Michael sent me a little video in which he revealed the bottle. His commentary was short and sweet: 'bulls' eye!'.

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