Clynelish 1995 23 Year Cask #11242 Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

The aroma is a blend of high-proof alcohol, chocolate, and sherry in roughly a 3:3:4 ratio. Vanilla is present, as are fresh notes of beeswax, honey, and milk chocolate. The 23 years of aging contribute a substantial character, but it presents as fresh and complex rather than heavy. Inhaling the vapors brings forth bitterness and alcohol fumes, bypassing any sweetness. The taste is quite spicy. Like the aroma, it offers a fresh and complex sherry explosion rather than a heavy profile. The keyword here is 'freshness' – fresh sherry, fresh tobacco, and a hint of fresh pepper. The ratio might be around 3 parts bitterness, 3 parts oak and tobacco, and 4 parts sherry bomb. It's explosive yet intricate. The texture isn't oily, but the finish is remarkably so, like a glossy polish. The oak notes meld with an oily character from the maturation, creating a unique finish. Warmth lingers significantly in the throat. #Perhaps this complex tasting is challenging for a beginner #Smells like solvents, chemicals, and paint instead of the usual sherry and honey #Substantial flavor is replaced by significantly complex notes #Maybe this is the complexity connoisseurs seek?