Clynelish 14 Year Old

I had my expectations set a little bit too high before testing this whisky. It is not bad. Not bad at all.. But not stellar nor enchanting.

Nose

Wax! First thing that strikes me is that it is a very waxy nose. Having it breathe for a bit allows it some development. Make way for marzipan, Anjou pears, and vanilla. Bourbon barrel.

There are some more interesting notes here and the nose is really decent but lacking complexity. Something that becomes a theme in this review.

I get a really sweet sour note, Think sour strawberry candies. Jelly strips with sour sugar sprinkles. There is a tiny citrus tang that accompanies and succumbs to the sour sweetness. Sugar powdered marshmallows. It is a really sugary nose.

The tang also gives it a fresh quality that is quite to my liking. A bit like a dry, acidic champagne.

Palate

The palate offers rhubarb, vanilla custard, strawberries and something reminiscent of a sweet White wine. Progressing it turns towards bitterness. Mostly sweet, not much else going on here.

Finish

Bitterness persists. Pear, waxy, strawberries. Perhaps just the faintest air of smoke. It is a tiny bit floral actually, something i hadn't noticed before and a bit more interesting but still more of the same.

All in all a decent dram but not at all living up to its rather hefty price. At least here in Sweden.

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