McClelland's Highland Single Malt

I don't know why I keep trying these McClellands - I've never that crazy about them. Maybe because they're inexpensive? Am I a cheap drunk??

I think this is probably Glen Garioch, since it is the only Highland distillery in the portfolio of Morrison Bowmore, the owner of the McClelland's brand.

The colour is a medium gold. Fairly malty on the nose, with heather, oak, marzipan, light honey and pine needles. There is a vegetal note there that is reminiscent of Glen Garioch. Vanilla. A hint of Nutella. Maltier with water. You can tell this is young and spirity, though - but it's fairly complex.

On the palate there is darker honey with more spice, pine, vanilla and barley sugar. Lime, green apple and kumquats. The palate is somewhat less than the nose, but a drop of water brightens things up a bit.

The finish is off - rough, short and a little unpleasant, with berries and dark chocolate. Overall, it's not bad but doesn't finish off well.