In todays review I will be having a look at the Clynelish 35 from Signatory Vintage. Bottled from cask number 3476 at a cask strength of 42,7% this release was limited to only 95 available bottles. Making me extremely lucky to get to try a pour of this very rare malt. What makes it an even bigger treat is that I’m a huge fan of Clynlish’s waxy character and in a 35 year old ex-Bourbon Barrel there should be plenty of that to go around.
One of the funny things about a dram like this, is that we (the whisky community) know just by the mere facts of this dram, that this should be an absolute belter. And yes, it comes with a fitting price tag for something so rare. But these can be found for around 800 euro. And if I compare that to a standard Yamazaki 18, that sits around the same price, or a Chichibu 7even Gods release, that sits aroudn double te price, I find myself puzzled that those seem to be flying of the shelves faster than this Clynelish 35 release from Signatory.
But all that (d)rambling aside, let’s focus on the most important thing at hand. The experience of actually sipping on this dram! So, without further ado, let’s dive into the tasting notes for this very special Clynelish 35 Review!
Tasting Notes: Clynelish 35 – Signatory Vintage Cask 3476
Stats
Age: 35 years old
ABV: 42,7% (85,4 proof)
Distillery: Clynelish
Bottle by: Signatory
Chill-filtered: No
Natural Colour: Yes
Nose
An intense tropical experience awaits! Heaps of ripe nectarines, honeydew melons, papaya and pineapple await. And ofcourse it’s paired with that familiar Clynelish beeswax, but this 35 year old expression takes that note to the next level! There’s also stewed pear, manuka honey and many many more fruity notes to explore. The nose of this Clynelish 35 is as beautiful as it is bombastic!
Palate
On the palate I was taken aback at first by the tannic presence this dram holds, but if you give it just a few swirls on the tongue, that same tannic presence comes alive and gives you notes of old leather, tobacco leaf, ground espresso and dark chocolate. Paired with the ground white pepper, oak shavings, wild peaches, mango, guanabana and lychee I was already finding, it slowly turns from a bit harsh at first, to utterly amazing when given time.
Finish
Where the nose of this Clynelish 35 was tropical and bombastic and the palate was bold and powerful, the finish sits comfortably in an old and dignified flavour profile. With a warming mouthfeel, there’s elements of dark chocolate and mocha to explore here, paired with hints of cherry, candied orange peel, and crushed vanilla pods. Hints of salted caramel and tobacco add even more layers to this dark and luxurious finish.
Food Pairing
Let’s keep it simple here, though it’s very well able to pair this dram with a meal. It’s by far best enjoyed neat, on its own. With at most a glass of water on the side.
Verdict
Strengths
It’s hard to call a 800 euro whisky bang for your buck, but for a whisky of this age and stature (in today’s market) it simply is. The flavours bring everything you know and love from Clynelish (a lovely mouthfull of beeswax amongst onther things) paired with an utterly tropical nose and an old and dignified palate and finish. This is a whisky that will haunt me in my dreams, for my glass is empty and I already miss the experience of this dram dearly.
Weaknesses
No matter which way you look at it, it’s still a lot of money. And not everyone will be able to afford a sample of bottle. But I hope that if you do, you’ll open it and share it with as many people as you can. Because I’d love to see this dram experienced by as many people as possible (but that’s my whisky heart speaking). Back to the weaknesses though.. there aren’t many, though the tannice presence on the palate can be a bit overpowering at first to those senstive to it. But give it time, it will open up beautifully!
