Clynelish 1996 19 year Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory)

Nose: Malted grain and stone fruits like peaches and apricots. A faint hint of banana and some white grape juice. It has a subtle maritime air, but it's not a salty malt. The aroma is bright and encompassing, somewhat light, slightly sweet, full, and very sophisticated. Palate: A cereal and fruity initial taste, but like the aroma, it's crisp and dry rather than sweet. Some bright barley sugar notes are present. It's spirit-forward and lean, a dry bourbon cask maturation. Some bright, hot spices emerge, and a malty character intensifies as it evolves. Finish: Medium length, with lingering barley notes and just a hint of oak. Signatory must have acquired a substantial number of Clynelish casks in the mid-1990s, as it's common to find their 16-23 year old Clynelish bottlings in both the Unchillfiltered and Cask Strength ranges. This particular bottling is a very pleasing representation of the distillery's character, and I greatly enjoyed the all-bourbon cask maturation. Clynelish is known for its crisp, waxy texture with many subtle sweet and herbal characteristics, and bourbon maturation truly enhances its strengths. This expression is a sophisticated and slightly dry whisky that develops beautifully in the glass and rewards patient tasting. A small amount of water effectively brings out its underlying sweetness. Compared to the standard 14-year-old distillery bottling (which is quite good), this version is drier and more elegant, making the younger expression seem a bit too sweet and heavy. It also has a much lighter and more uplifting finish. Recommended, if you can locate it. “Very Good”: 87/100 (4.25 stars)

Starts light and fruity, ending with a bourbon oak character. Quite pleasant.