Every year, whisky fans used to wait for Diageo’s Special Releases the way kids wait for that first slice of birthday cake—wide-eyed, buzzing with anticipation, and fully ready to debate whether this year’s selection tops the last. The 2025 lineup has stirred its share of conversation, not least because it brings together distilleries both beloved and occasionally overlooked, each dressed up in cask finishes and bold strengths meant to showcase something new. While some bottles in the collection come wearing a slightly inflated price tag (hello, Benrinnes), others feel far more balanced between cost and craft.
And perched confidently in the “yes-this-is-worth-it” category sits the Clynelish 18, a release that instantly caught my attention. Not only because Clynelish is one of Diageo’s crown jewels—often subtle, always waxy, and frequently brilliant—but because this year’s theme seems tailor-made for what this distillery does best: combining elegance, texture, and brightness into a dram that feels alive.
Before diving into the tasting notes, let’s talk Clynelish. Nestled in the coastal Highlands of Scotland, overlooking the North Sea, this distillery has long had a reputation for producing spirit with that unmistakable waxy character. It’s a texture and flavour fingerprint that sets Clynelish apart from nearly every other Highland malt. Their stills, copper contact, and fermentation all contribute to a spirit that is simultaneously honeyed, fruity, and gently coastal—a combination whisky geeks describe with a smile that borders on smug.
Clynelish has played a major part in blends (yes, that blend) but shines just as brightly as a single malt. When Diageo gives it special treatment—longer maturation, purposeful cask selection, a bit of oomph in ABV—it tends to produce something that makes you lean back in your chair and think: “Ah yes, this is why I love whisky.”
And with that, let’s jump into the heart of it.
Tasting Notes – Clynelish 18 (2025 Special Release)
Stats
- Age: 18 Years Old
- ABV: 51,6% (103,2 Proof)
- Distillery: Clynelish
- Natural Colour: Yes
- Chill-filtered: No
Nose
The nose opens with honey and beeswax, that classic Clynelish calling card, before drifting into a sunny wave of tropical notes. Pineapple and ripe mango take centre stage with a playful whiff of passion fruit. Give it a moment and the dram warms into freshly baked cookies, dried apricots, and a touch of candied apple. It’s as if Clynelish wandered into a tropical bakery and decided to stay for dessert.
Palate
The palate continues the dance with honeycomb and pineapple juice, bright and juicy from the first sip. Then things turn deliciously unexpected: white-chocolate-covered mandarin segments, dried cranberries, and rum-soaked raisins swirl together like a confectioner’s holiday experiment gone wonderfully right. A soft dusting of cloves and cardamom adds just enough spice, and there’s a faint, grounding whisper of liquorice root to tie it all together. The texture is silky, waxy, and—dare I say—luxurious.
Finish
The finish is a postcard from the tropics: more pineapple, more passion fruit, and even a splash of papaya. These flavours linger alongside gentle honey and beeswax, before gradually shifting into a mild, slightly drying tannic note—think popsicle sticks—that reins the sweetness back in and reminds you you’re still drinking whisky, not fruit syrup.
Food Pairing
Pair this with dried fruits or a wedge of young Gouda cheese. Both amplify the honeyed, waxy character while complementing the bright tropical fruitiness.
Verdict
The Good
Beautifully complex and nuanced, this Clynelish 18 boasts a sunny medley of tropical flavours wrapped in the distillery’s iconic honey-and-beeswax charm. The balance is delightful, the texture elegant, and the personality unmistakably Clynelish. What’s not to love?
The Bad
The price sits more comfortably than some of the other 2025 offerings—much fairer than the Benrinnes, thankfully—but it still isn’t exactly pocket change. And for some drinkers, the tannins on the finish might push the boundary just a touch too far. Aside from that? There’s very little to fault in this dram.
Final Thoughts
Diageo’s 2025 Special Releases may have stirred their usual share of debate, but the Clynelish 18 is one bottle that stands tall, confident, and absolutely worth your attention. If you’re a fan of the distillery—or simply love a rich, tropical, waxy Highland malt—this one deserves a place on your shelf. It’s vibrant, characterful, and a shining reminder of why Clynelish continues to be a favourite among enthusiasts.
