Clynelish, Prima & Ultima Fourth Release, 26 Year Old, 1996

This particular expression of Clynelish will undoubtedly be of interest to true fans of this distillery. This whisky has been matured in two experimental Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso Casks seasoned European Oak butts – the first and last of their kind from 1996. This highly active wood has provided a new rich sweetness and darkness to this one of a kind Clynelish. Smoothly oily, the texture is lightly waxy and tooth- coating. The taste is surprisingly sweet to start and apple- fruity at first, then quickly very drying and soon, chilli- pepper spicy. A toffee apple with burnt edges comes to mind. A little water helps bring up the sweetness and reduce the spiciness.