Whisky: Clynelish 12 Year (2007), Whisky-Fässle “Highland Region”

Country/Region: Scotland/Highland

ABV: 51.9%

Cask: Hogshead

Age: 12 Years (Distilled 2007, Bottled 2020)

Nose: Lemon, pomelo, icing sugar, yeasted dough, mellow florals, caramel, sage, and dandelion greens; paraffin wax, crushed sugar cane,

Palate: Medium to light body, crisp and occasionally spirited, big lemon, pomelo, and grapefruit citrus, more subtle whipped butter, wax, and caramel; drying citrus pith with peppercorns and toasted oak at the end.

Finish: Medium to short with drying citrus pith, chalk, and hints of caramel or vanilla.

Score: 4

Mental Image: Leather Shoe Deodorizer

Narrative & Notes: I poured this as dram #3 on a “Holiday Mystery Whisky Advent Calendar” and guessed it was either Daftmill or Clynelish around 12-14 Years of age and matured in an ex-bourbon barrel. Elements of the citrusy, and sometimes waxy or buttery, spirit reminded me of both those distilleries. It turns out it was Clynelish! Unfortunately, I plugged in my official guess in our blind-tasting contest as Daftmill, so all I am left with is the self-satisfaction of knowing I was so close!

I thought the aroma was rather pleasant as it varied between citrus and sugar with the occasional hit of florals or peppery spice. The flavor profile was a step backward as the spirit came off a bit prickly, especially on the back end, and the flavors felt a tad simple. I kept waiting for additional layers to open up, yet, neither time nor water seemed to reveal anything further.

Overall, this would make for a pleasant sipper, and I would pour this in a highball, but it was not something I would otherwise grab off the shelf.

Image Credit: Whiskybase