Clynelish – 1995 25 Year Old Whisky Sponge Edition No.40 Refill Sherry Butt (70cl, 56.6%)

This is a 1995 Clynelish single malt from the Highlands, matured for 25 years in a refill sherry butt and bottled at a natural cask strength of 56.6%. It is Edition No.40 from Whisky Sponge, in a 70cl bottle. The cask was remarkably active and old school, and the whisky is dark, sticky and syrupy, with liquorice, balsamic notes, rancio, tobacco, earth and walnuts, and some waxy purity showing through. The nose is meaty and savoury, with miso soup and cooked vegetables, turning more herbal with walnuts, mushrooms and mulching leaves. The palate brings tobacco, leather, parsley, roasted chestnuts and mint, ending in caramel and chocolate. The finish is long and salty, with herbs and chocolate-coated nuts.