Clynelish Distillers Edition (2006/2021 Cl-Br: 178-10)

Blair Athol Distillery, Thursday, April 25th, 2024. Whisky #3 Nose: Fruity (apple, orange), beeswax, freshly cut hay, daffodils, a touch of cinnamon, and a subtle brininess that becomes more noticeable over time. Palate: The palate resembles the standard 14 year old but is drier and waxier. Weak coffee, a little dark chocolate, cinnamon, ginger, and mild smoke, but as it sits on the palate, it develops a maritime, honeyed sweetness. The texture is chewy and full of beeswax. Finish: Medium. A lingering, tingling waxy sweetness on the finish with a hint of salty spice. I've always appreciated these annual Clynelish releases because the influence of dry, spicy Oloroso Seco casks suits the distillery's character perfectly. Each year, they stand out to me as among the best of the Diageo Distillers Editions, along with the Caol Ila bottlings. Its profile is similar to the core 14 year old, but it possesses an interesting complexity that combines a more rounded, mellow, and sweet character with just enough dry white fruits and resinous waxiness. In fact, I've felt for a while that the standard bourbon-matured Clynelish 14 year old hasn't been as good as it used to be, while the Distillers Edition has improved. Rating: 84/100 (3.75 stars)