Review #237: Clynelish 10 SV Unchillfiltered 2008

Highland -10 - NCF - NCA - $75 @ K&L - 57.9%

Clynelish is a Highland malt that is known for its waxy character.  They are owned by everybody's favorite conglomerate, Diageo.  Clynelish is a blending work horse for Johnny Walker and also a favorite malt for Compass Box.  I have not had any direct Clynelish beyond the 14 but have had a lot of Compass Box.

Color - Yellow Gold

Nose - White fruit, caramel, fresh apples, vanilla, candles, peach skin

Palate - Brown sugar, caramel apples, barley, citrus

Finish - Medium -  Brief hit of stone fruit that quickly fades to toffee, malt, creme brulee sugar

Overall - 7 - The nose of this dram opened with lots of fruit but that seems to have died as the it made its way to the stomach.  However, it doesn't become boring just gets malty and caramely.  To me, this is a classic highland ex-bourbon. Probably a step above your average 10 year ex-bourbon IB in that the flavors felt bigger in this one.  I enjoyed this one and will look for more Clynelish.  

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Rating system is price influenced as it is based on my shopping decisions when buying a bottle.

10 Best in Show

9 Great Dram for Special Occasions

8 Worthy of consistent spot in my collection

7 Worth picking up a bottle if in the mood

6 I would buy a bottle if it went on sale
5.5 I really enjoyed but it will never be priced at where I would buy a bottle

5 I would drink it happily if offered

4 I would drink it if offered on the rocks

3 Maybe some soda will make this potable

2 I'll Pass

1 Toilet cleaner

Inclusive Ratings

Overall 6.1

Standard Deviation 0.92

Skew 0.66

Kurtosis -0.16