Diageo Special Release 2011 Distillery Bottling
A birthday dram shared from a friend. Purchased from Jack Rose and enjoyed by our small group. Was rested, capped, for about 15 mins. No water added.
The nose really is reminiscent of Clynelish to me. It’s like waxy twizzlers. Some raw floral honey notes and oddly a light cola/amaro like herbal quality. It’s pungent and grainy. Bee pollen. Lots of apple and pear flavors nearing apple cider-like. Small amount of orange blossom perfume. I almost want to recommend an Antihistamine if you are allergy prone!
This is an extremely muted malt and delicious on the palate. It has a bold baking spices feel with that apple note. A bit of bitter anise almost in there. Thick texture and some dried lumber. Hot considering proof and age, it’s like biting into a peppercorn almost.
The finish resembles a dry apple cider/sparkling wine. Lovely malt cereals and grains come through. Bready but not a yeasty flavor. Like fresh Irish cream butter on warm bread. Dried pine. Graham cracker ever so slightly on the finish.
This was a treat to experience. I thoroughly enjoy Clynelish so this hit really well with my taste in Scotch. Very surprised with how floral a Scotch could be and I swear the name was not influencing me.
