Clynelish – 10 Year Old Special Release 2023 (57.5%)

This is a ten-year-old Clynelish from the 2023 Diageo Special Releases, bottled at its natural cask strength of 57.5%. The series is called Spirited Xchange, and this bottle takes its inspiration from classic American jazz, which is reflected in the label artwork. The whisky matured only in ex-bourbon American oak, which brings notes of rich caramel and vanilla spice. The nose opens softly with a mineral, maritime theme before turning sweeter and rounder. The palate is vanilla-sweet, rich and powerful, smoothing out with a touch of salt and pepper, and the finish is long and spicy.