Whisky: Clynelish 10 Year, Diageo Special Release 2023

Country/Region: Scotland/Highland

ABV: 57.5%

Cask: First Fill Bourbon American Oak

Age: 10 Years (Bottled 2023)

Nose: Sweet and citrusy, powdered sugar, lemon, donuts, cinnamon and honey, yellow cake mix, baking spices, wood, hints of bubblegum.

Palate: Medium-bodied and oily, sweet and sugars, candied apples, pears, marzipan, refined sugar; baking spices and peppery oak further in, hints of candied fruits.

Finish: Medium-length with pleasant spice and orchard fruits.

Score: 6 (78)

Mental Image: The Apple Orchard Experience

Narrative & Notes: With bright citrus and powdered sugar I imagined lemon glazed donuts quickly followed by apple fritters and bear claws as orchard fruits, cinnamon, and honey arrived.  Yellow cake mix was ready in the background with more baking spices, freshly oiled wooden cutting boards, and a touch of bubble gum. Medium-bodied and oily, the flavor profile featured a candied sweetness that toed the line of cloyingly— occasionally stepping on the wrong side. Candied apples and pears sliced prepped for a tart arrived with marzipan and refined sugar.  More peppery oak and baking spices lingered further in with gala apples and a touch of candied pineapple. The finish was medium-length with a pleasant mixing of oaky spices and juicy orchard fruits.

Uncomplicated— I wish more of the Diageo special releases were like this malt and presented with simple, straightforward maturations that allowed the malt to sing more. There is definitely room for big cask finishes and maturations, but I wish those were the exception, than the rule. This was bright and youthful with the first fill bourbon casks enhancing the natural sweetness of the malt.  I found it a touch too sweet for my taste, but I am more sensitive than most.

Overall, a delightful and refreshing whisky.  If one ignores the price Diageo asked for the malt, it was quite enjoyable; good, but not worth the $150-200 asking price.