Clynelish 1995 19 YO Blackadder Raw Cask

Clynelish 1995 19 YO Cask #1471 Blackadder Raw Cask, 55 %

It was recently announced that Terroir Wines will start importing whisky from the independent bottler Blackadder to Norway (more here). Today I am reviewing one of the first four bottlings, to be released in Norway in January 2015.

The Clynelish 1995 19 YO Blackadder Raw Cask is a single cask release, bottled with cask sediments and all at an ABV of 55 %. It has been matured in an unspecified refill hogshead (cask #1471). It was distilled on March 15, 1995, and bottled in June 2014. The total outturn was 244 bottles.

This whisky will be available in Norway at NOK 1248 (item number TBA). I cannot see that it has been released in Sweden - maybe in January as well?

Nose (22/25): Ah, what a perfectly lovely Clynelish nose! It is fruity (apples and pears) with mild caramel. Waxy, sweet, warm and rich. There is a faint alcohol note to it, but it is a 'raw' cask after all! Give it time in the glass and it settles down a bit, becomes more mellow, and balance is restored.

Taste (22/25): Super smooth! Rich and complex. I love the mouthfeel on this. The waxiness is ever-present, and the fruitiness is accompanied by light spiciness.

Finish (23/25): Waxy, oily and long. A really nice finish that keeps on giving.

Balance (22/25): One of the better Clynelish whiskies I have had, I believe. Robin Blackadder has done it again! This is a safe bet if you like your whisky rich, waxy and fruity.

Score (89/100)

Image from The Whisky Specialist.

Sláinte! - Thomas