CLYNELISH 22 YEARS OLD - SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY BY THE SINGLE MALTS OF SCOTLAND

This is a marriage from just two casks of whisky – a single hogshead and a single sherry butt – both distilled in 1995 and matured for more than 22 years. This whisky showcases the layered character of Clynelish, with its extra maturity emphasising a pleasant savoury sweetness.

Nose: Intensely heavy notes of engine oil and a new bicycle chain mingle with juicy crabapple cordial. Clean pine needles on a damp forest floor float in, followed by flaky icing on a pear-compote-filled cupcake and the crisp aroma of new schoolbooks.

Palate: Acidic, but not citrusy – more akin to gooseberries. Spicy jalapenos, drizzled with olive oil and mini pickles soaked in dill and brine. Next, some stacked firewood and smoked paprika, followed by the creamy sweetness of custard tarts.

Finish: The refreshing hit of an effervescent orange vitamin drink, menthol cough drops and Bullseye boiled sweets. A sprinkle of lemon rind lingers with a rum-soaked canelé.