Clynelish 12 Years Old Diageo Special Releases 2022 58.5% NV

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (84)

The cask-bill here gathered refill American oak, PX and oloroso. Hope this gumbo won't have offset the Distillery character, but probably not, Diageo do care about Clynelish! What's sure is that it was a good idea to hire Syd Barrett's little nephew to do the names and stories… Colour: straw. Nose: it's pretty fascinating to have this one after the more elementary (in the best sense) TWS. Nutshell, the sherry has erased a part of the bright fruitiness and added some wine, walnuts and teas. English breakfast tea, naturally. With water: a little more fruitiness but walnut skins and other fruit peelings, and even eucalyptus tea tend to dominate. But the paraffin and beeswax are there, hurray. Mouth (neat): the fruits and rather a lot of paraffin are having the upper hand this time. Once more, a little bitter oak coating that, even chlorophyl. With water: very good, if a little cask-heavy indeed. A notch harsh, perhaps, otherwise oranges and a little honey are adding some needed lightness, although this isn't fruity whisky by any means. Finish: rather long, but the oaks and their spices are at the helm. Some raisins from the PX (I would suppose) in the aftertaste, plus a faint saltiness. Comments: super-good, it's just that I shouldn't have had the rather pristine young 2011 just before this one. My bad

Gal Granov (86)

Nose: mmm. Sweet Xmas cakes, with lots of sweet muscovado sugar, and sweet danishes topped with carmelized baked red apples, golden syrup, and vanilla custard. More sweet sultanas and dates with stewed orchard fruit (apple, pear, apricots), sweet toffee, and a hint of chalk.

Palate: The palate is thick and oily, with a peppery zing and alcohol heat on the first sensation, then getting sweeter and fruitier with more stewed apples, dried fruit (mainly sultanas), and some spices, in addition to rum-infused dark chocolate Pralines, a drizzle of wild honey too.

Finish: Chocolate, spice, and apple pies, with zingy pepper and lingering sweet sultanas.

Conclusion: A very different Clynelish than I expected, sweet, and lovely but lacking the “waxy” notes we’ve grown accustomed to in whiskies from this distillery. Easy drinking and likable, but not ultra-complex. still enjoyable. Given blind, i would not have guessed this to be a Clynelish for sure.

Words of Whisky (85)

Refill American oak and Pedro Ximénez and oloroso seasoned
Nose: A quick hit of beeswax, stewed apples and Greek yoghurt, accompanied by brown sugar, pear skin and sweet pastries. Hints of breakfast tea, charred oak and orange peel too. Finally a touch of apricots.
Taste: Waxy arrival (but I’ve had waxier) quickly followed by peppery spices and bitter, charred oak. Some oranges, lemon pith and dried tea leaves as well. Also slightly nutty with a hint of After Eight.
Finish: Drying, bitter and spicy with a tinge of sweet fruits coming to help out.

CONCLUSION
With all the good, similarly aged Clynelish that have been released by independent bottlers in the past few years, how can Diageo not at least match that quality? Sure, I’ve enjoyed sipping this and like it better than many of the other Special Releases 2022, but it’s not exactly competitevely priced. In short: you can probably do better.

BOW (87)

Clynelish 12 Years Old: Diageo Special Releases 2022 Unleashes a Sherry-Finished Delight

The much-anticipated Clynelish 12 Years Old has made its way into the Diageo Special Releases 2022 lineup, offering whisky enthusiasts a remarkable expression. This release takes the classic Clynelish 12 Years Old and infuses it with an intriguing twist, undergoing a secondary maturation in PX (Pedro Ximénez) and Oloroso sherry casks. Bottled at a robust 58.5% ABV, this whisky presents a captivating fusion of Clynelish's distinctive character with the rich influence of sherry casks.

Aromas:
Upon nosing the Clynelish 12 Years Old, a symphony of enticing scents unfolds. The fragrance of fruit cake, brown sugar, and cinnamon buns tantalizes the senses, accompanied by the sweetness of candied fruits. Notes of Panettone dance in the background, while vanilla and toasted oak emerge, complemented by hints of sugared tea and subtle herbal nuances. There is even a touch of ripe red apples, adding a refreshing element to the aromatic profile. Although the sherry finish lends a modern balance, it conceals some of the expected chalky and waxy notes typically associated with Clynelish.

Palate:
The palate offers a delightful continuation of the aromatic journey. The sherry influence takes the spotlight, with flavors of cooked fruits, sultanas, and abundant orange peels intertwining harmoniously. Glazed apples add a luscious sweetness to the mix. However, alongside these delectable notes, there is a noticeable alcohol warmth and a firm peppery presence that assert themselves. As the tasting experience progresses, a slightly drying sensation akin to tea develops. Subtle hints of leather emerge, and the mineral and waxy characteristics for which Clynelish is renowned come to the forefront, particularly with the addition of a drop of water.

Finish:
The Clynelish 12 Years Old concludes with a satisfying and lengthy finish. The presence of fresh, buttery wood imparts a velvety texture, while aniseed and a hint of chocolate add a delightful touch of spice.

Overall Impression:
While the Clynelish 12 Years Old Diageo Special Releases 2022 deviates from the traditional Clynelish profile, it offers a unique and captivating flavor experience. The sherry maturation brings depth and complexity to the whisky, with the cooked fruits and orange peels shining through. It is important to note, however, that the sherry finish veils some of the expected chalky and waxy qualities that Clynelish enthusiasts hold dear. Nonetheless, this expression is a testament to the artistry of sherry cask maturation and showcases a fascinating interplay of flavors.

Conclusion:
The Clynelish 12 Years Old Diageo Special Releases 2022 is an extraordinary whisky that unveils the influence of PX and Oloroso sherry casks on the classic Clynelish spirit. While it may deviate from the distillery's signature profile, it offers a unique and memorable journey for whisky enthusiasts seeking something out of the ordinary. The interplay between the sherry influence and Clynelish's character creates a captivating experience, albeit with a slight departure from the expected chalky and waxy notes. Overall, the Clynelish 12 Years Old is a remarkable addition to the Diageo Special Releases lineup, offering whisky lovers a chance to explore the harmonious marriage of Clynelish's charm with the richness of sherry casks.