A Dutch Dessert Delight with Serious Ambition
Dutch whisky is no longer a curiosity — it’s a category in confident ascent, and Cley Canasta is a shining example of just how far things have come. Crafted by Cley Distillery, this rich, dessert-leaning Dutch single malt delivers bold flavour, unapologetic indulgence, and a clear statement of intent from one of Europe’s most exciting whisky makers.
Even more exciting? With Cley’s soon-to-open new distillery location on the horizon, the future looks exceptionally bright. If whiskies like Canasta are anything to go by, this new chapter could well cement Cley Distillery as one of the most promising distilleries in Europe right now — not just within Dutch whisky, but on the wider global stage.
Tasting Notes Cley Canasta
Stats
- Age: 5 years
- ABV: 48% (96 proof)
- Casks: First-fill ex-Bourbon with a Canasta cask finish
- Distillery: Cley
- Category: Dutch Single Malt Whisky
- Flavour Profile: Dessert Delight
- Chill-filtered: No
- Natural Colour: Yes
Nose
From the first inhale, Cley Canasta makes its intentions very clear: this is a fruit-forward, indulgent whisky with zero interest in playing it safe. Bursting with strawberry marmalade, cranberry compôte, and a glossy drizzle of cherry syrup, the nose leans heavily into red fruit territory — and does so brilliantly.
Beneath the sweetness lies a beautifully spiced backbone. Nutmeg and cardamom bring warmth, while a gentle touch of clove adds depth and complexity. It’s expressive, confident, and wonderfully inviting — the kind of nose that keeps pulling you back for “just one more sniff.”
Palate
The palate opens with a subtle kick of white pepper, quickly giving way to a cascade of rich, dessert-like flavours. Manuka honey and Luxardo cherries take centre stage, supported by warming nutmeg and the bittersweet crunch of café noir biscuits.
From there, things get gloriously decadent. Dark notes of cacao and freshly pulled espresso add weight and structure, before the whisky swings back toward lush, jammy fruit: blackberries, strawberries, and sticky figs in full confit mode. It’s a dynamic, indulgent palate that never sits still — a true whirlwind of flavour that rewards slow, attentive sipping.
Finish
The finish is medium-long and satisfyingly grounded. Espresso and cacao dominate here, delivering a lingering bitterness that balances the earlier sweetness beautifully. As it fades, softer notes of burnt caramel and strawberry shortcake re-emerge, ensuring the dram never loses its dessert-driven soul. Rich, warming, and deeply comforting.
Food Pairing
Cley Canasta is a dream whisky for food pairing. On the sweet side, lighter desserts really allow its flavours to sing. Think shortbread biscuits, vanilla sponge or strawberry shortcake, or — if you’re feeling adventurous — a homemade crème brûlée with a slightly scorched sugar crust.
Prefer savoury? Go bold. This whisky stands up surprisingly well to game dishes. A slow-cooked wild boar stew or a perfectly seared venison steak will echo its darker, spiced notes beautifully, creating a pairing that feels indulgent yet refined.
Verdict
Strengths
Cley Canasta is bold, indulgent, and unapologetically flavour-driven. It balances dessert-like sweetness with darker, bitter elements in a way that feels deliberate and confident. Its versatility with food is a major plus, making it a fantastic option for whisky lovers who enjoy pairing drams with meals or desserts.
Weaknesses
What it offers in richness and complexity, it slightly lacks in subtlety. This isn’t a quiet, contemplative dram — it’s expressive and full-throttle. That makes it a bit of a love-it-or-leave-it whisky, best enjoyed when you’re in the mood for something big and comforting rather than nuanced and restrained.
Final Thoughts
Cley Canasta is a bold statement from a distillery clearly hitting its stride. As a Dutch single malt whisky, it showcases just how far the Netherlands has come as a serious whisky-producing nation. And with the new Cley Distillery site set to open soon, the timing couldn’t be better.
If this is the level of flavour and confidence coming out of Cley already, the future is incredibly exciting. Rich, festive, and perfect for colder months — especially with Christmas around the corner — this is a bottle I’ll happily keep revisiting. One thing’s for sure: Cley Distillery is a name every whisky lover should have firmly on their radar.
