Clynelish Distillers Edition

I was visiting a rival establishment, the Johnnie Walker store on Prince Street in Edinburgh, where the staff offered complimentary whisky of my choice. I've sampled most of their offerings, but not this particular Clynelish Distiller's Edition 2020, as I haven't explored many expressions from this distillery. This 2020 release is bottled at 46% ABV, carries a 14-year age statement, and was aged in oloroso seco wood. On the nose, the dominant notes are almonds, accompanied by crushed almonds, red apples, pecans, candle wax, and pears. After a few sips, it reminded me of vanilla milk formula. On the palate, it begins with a perfect blend of red apples and pecans, quite spicy. Almonds and cider are present, along with stewed apples. The finish can best be described as "oaky," a term I truly dislike using. It has a dry woodiness, almonds, a hint of pepper, and more almonds, nuttiness, and pecans. Overall, this is a decent whisky. Nothing particularly special, reinforcing my belief that most Johnnie Walker malts are average when not blended (unlike Talisker or Lagavulin). Clynelish has never impressed me greatly, and this expression confirms my opinion. I rate it 85 out of 100.

CLYNELISH 1993 17YO DISTILLERS EDITION 46% - SECOND ATTEMPT - Noticeable pepper, sweet pear, honey, and fruity notes. There's quite a lot happening beneath the fruitiness, but it's tempered by the spirit's sharp peppery burn. 2.25 Compared to the nose, this is much smoother with mild pepper, sweetness, vanilla, oak, and chocolate. 2.5 Slight smoke, a lengthy sustain. 2.5 2.25 Clynelish 1993 17YO DISTILLER'S EDITION 46% Floral sweetness, a touch of heat. 2.75 Spicy, complex flavor, a bold zingy character, oaky, nutty, citrusy. 2.25 Finish: A long, citrusy finish. 2.25 2.25

Larger, waxier, and more substantial than the usual 14. It's said to be 'more Clynelish than Clynelish.' Everyone preferred it even to the '88 we had directly from the cask. And that's quite a statement.

Nose: apple, pear, and baking spices. A gentle sweetness Palate: more pear and apple, with some fig and raisin Finish: medium finish, oak and sherry

Faint smoke on the nose with deep dark fruit notes. Red fruits abound. Spice and a gentle smoke present on the palate. The smoky character grows with time, leading to a sweet ending. It's pleasant.

I possess the un-chillfiltered Collection of this fine Whiskey. The signatory vintage from 1997 is recommended for anyone who appreciates a well-fruited dram.