Clynelish 1996 17 Year (Adelphi)

This was the second of ten whiskies tasted at an Adelphi event. It strongly features the classic Clynelish aroma of melted wax and paraffin. The palate is rich and fruity, with melons and some tart fruit, followed by sweet pears in the finish. Served neat, it's a bit too intense for my preference, but adding water reveals Schezuan peppers that overpower the fruit. It's somewhat disappointing that it doesn't mix well, but if you enjoy it neat, you might rate it higher than I did.

The taste is fruity and slightly viscous. It has a lingering finish with hints of dark fruit and caramel, while the aroma presents notes of wax and pear. The flavors and scents are quite pleasant. However, its only drawback, keeping it from being outstanding, is a touch of heat.