On a rare damp and showery evening, the WeeDrammers gathered at Bob B. home to continue our quest of conquering the single malt offerings coming out of Scotland. On this occasion, we re-visited one old favourite and were introduced to a new member of our ‘family’, No’s 174 and 175 on our tasting schedule.
First up on this evening was a revisit of a dram first experienced in March of 2023, the Clynelish 14 Year Old.
Clynelish proudly serves as one of the Four Corners distilleries of Johnnie Walker. This rich Highland Malt that is enjoyed around the world on its own and as a vital component of Johnnie Walker whiskies.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: A brilliant golden hue, suggesting a richness and maturity that’s been carefully nurtured through the aging process.
- Nose: a complex bouquet that’s both fresh and intriguing; a bright burst of citrus—think lemon zest and orange peel—complemented by subtle notes of vanilla and honey.
- Palate: a balance of sweet and savoury. The initial taste is smooth and creamy, with flavors of vanilla custard and honey followed by a delightful malty richness and a touch of spiced oak. There’s a gentle, peppery kick that adds depth without overwhelming the senses.
- Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, with a lingering sweetness that gradually gives way to a dry, slightly nutty note.
- Overall Impression: Clynelish 14 Year Old is a remarkable single malt that stands out for its unique blend of flavors and textures. It’s an excellent choice that offers a satisfying and well-rounded experience that’s definitely worth exploring.
ABV – 46%; It’s unclear whether the Clynelish 14 year old is available in British Columbia (Luckys in Nanaimo carried in 2023) but, if you’re ever in Edmonton it can be had for around $100.00
Glengarry 12 Year Old (from Loch Lomond Distillery)Whisky Review
Glengarry 12 year old comes out of the Loch Lomond Distillery, a distillery founded in 1814 in the Highlands of Scotland. The distillery utilizes both traditional pot stills and innovative column stills, allowing for a broad range of whisky styles. It employs various cask types, including American oak and sherry casks, to develop complex flavours. Thus, the distillery produces a wide array of whiskies, including single malts, single grains, and blended Scotch whiskies.
Glengarry 12 Year Old Whisky is a single malt whisky aged 12 years. It combines sweet fruity and oaky elements offering a balanced and approachable whisky experience. Coming out of traditional pot still the whisky reflects a more classic approach to whisky-making. It is a straightforward whisky with a balance of sweetness and oak.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Rich amber colour.
- Nose: Inviting aromas of ripe fruits (apples, pears), caramel, vanilla, and a hint of oakiness.
- Palate: Smooth and well-balanced, with flavours of caramel, toffee, vanilla, and a touch of fruitiness. There’s a gentle warming spice and a slight nutty undertone.
- Finish: Moderately long with lingering sweetness and a touch of oak, providing a clean and satisfying conclusion.
While Loch Lomond Distillery is known for its use of both pot and column stills, Glengarry 12 Year Old is a single malt comes out of the pot still production method reflecting a classic approach to whisky-making. Glengarry 12 Year Old features a straightforward yet satisfying profile with a balance of sweetness and complexity. A very good dram!
ABV – 46%; It’s unclear whether the Glengarry 12 year old is available in British Columbia but, if you’re ever in Edmonton it too can be had for around $100.00.
Appies on this occasion included a variety of cheese, smoked salmon, lox, smoked oysters, wonderful small scallops, olives, pickles, crackers and the essential rich dark chocolate pieces.
Well done Bob!!
