Cladach Blended Malt (2018 Special Release)

This blend is part of Diageo’s 2018 Special Releases. It’s named “Cladach”, meaning “shore” in Gaelic. Unlike their prior annual releases like Collectivum, this is a blend of whiskies from Diageo-owned, coastal distilleries: Caol Ila, Clynelish, Lagavulin, Oban, Inchgower, and Talisker. It presents as a deep and dark gold in the Glencairn and forms tiny beads when swirled. It’s very oily and took nearly a minute to develop thick, slow legs. It’s bottled at a robust 57.1% ABV and costs an exorbitant $168. The nose immediately delivers on the name, with maritime sea spray and salt. Damp peat, pine, and citrus maintain the theme throughout the nosing experience. There’s heat and an occasional waft of juicy berries. They are difficult to discern but will reward a patient palate. The palate continues to align with the theme: Earthy peat and sea salt are dominant. Hints of citrus and light smoke keep me thinking of Lagavulin and Talisker. Later in the sip, some sherry appears on the tongue in a malty and rough rush. The high ABV makes it challenging to focus on pinpointing flavors. It’s simply too hot right out of the bottle. Dilution is almost mandatory—and yes, I dislike that. The finish is spicy, salty, and hot. A long, briny note resonates throughout your entire mouth and down into your stomach. Imagine downing cold, raw oysters. While I love oysters, I don't want them in my whisky. It's a harsh way to conclude. Overall, this is for serious island whisky enthusiasts—the kind who'd rather be fishing off the coast of Islay in winter. It won't warm you on a cold night at sea; it'll have you on the bow yelling obscenities into the darkness as the boat pitches and rolls through the waves. If the phrase “this'll put hair on your chest, boy!” ever had a truth, it applies to this whisky. You have been warned. 3.5-3.75 stars. Cheers.

This was part of a special collection released by Diageo in 2018. A generous pour from a friend allowed me to sample it. Each year, typically in autumn, Diageo puts out about seven whiskies from their collection, marketing them as 'special,' whatever that signifies. I usually pick up the Lagavulin from this series, or this year, the Talisker 15. This collection has historically included some reasonably priced options (commonly Lagavulin, Caol Ila, and/or Talisker) alongside some extremely expensive ones (previously Brora or Port Ellen). This Cladach was cleverly designed to feature all their coastal whiskies: Caol Ila, Lagavulin, Oban, Inchgower, Clyneish, and Talisker. With that blend, it definitely comes across as coastal. The aroma is lightly smoky with a jerky-like scent. The taste is indeed seaside briny, coastal, with notes of seaweed, lemongrass, and there it is – the peppery kick of Talisker. It's exceptionally well-crafted. I was worried it would be a mere marketing ploy, but it's genuinely good. It used to cost around $120-150, but I suspect it's hard to find now.

I received a sample of this from TWE. To be fair, I tasted it after two bourbons over 60% ABV (Kentucky Owl and Booker's), both of which were excellent. I was curious how this would compare, and the answer is, not too badly! It's not worth the price, but it's a nice blend of malts, well-balanced. It offers creamy smoke and sweet vanilla predominantly.

I enjoy strong oak, a dry, crisp, and astringent finish. It's not a huge shock, but it's a small surprise. Yes, the palate matches the description, with faint bonfire smoke, sweet fruits, citrus, and vanilla. It's astringent. I liked it.