ralfy review 922 - Clynelish 14yo @ 46%vol: (2022)

[@olivierbeltrami]

I agree with the 84 mark. It’s now a high quality Highlands malt, but losing the waxiness means it’s just more generic. For any Clynelish fan, waxiness is the essence of Clynelish.

[@Francesco_Quaranta_66]

Dear Ralfy, I'm off topic, but I want to briefly describe my journey into the world of scotch whiskey and where I have arrived. As most people I started drinking whiskies widely available in the supermarkets, mostly blended, like Johnnie Walker Red Label, Ballantine's, but also easy single malts like Glen Grant 5 yo. It was the 90s and in Italy the most advertised whiskies were Chivas Regal and Macallan. Chivas Regal was considered one of the most admirable gifts to a whisky lover. Later, with the opportunity to travel, I was increasingly attracted to the world of whisky bottles beautifully lined up on the shelves of prestigious bars and restaurants frequented by international customers: I still remember the phenolic and medicinal Laphroaig that left me puzzled and somewhat disappointed the first time I tasted it, the smokiness of Lagavulin, and all the subtle nuances of many other labels, but the whisky that impressed me the most was Talisker: I could find in it all the flavors I really enjoyed: peat, pepper, slightly fruity, with a citric note and salty maritime accents. What an experience! And how it would be more satisfying if I could access an independent bottling! Many years after the explosion of the consumption of much more “fashionable” spirits like gin, vodka or rum, I am back in the multifaceted world of single malt whiskies. Unfortunately, these days the prices have gone up a lot, so I decided to pay close attention to the malts to select and taste. I then came across your channel and from then on I started watching old and new videos, trying to figure out which malts might be worth buying based on my taste and smell preferences. All the information conveyed through your "Extra" video has greatly increased my understanding of the world of distilleries, of the factors that influence a good whisky, and have to say that I strongly support your battle for the improvement and integrity of scotch whisky. I have finally returned to my first love, Talisker 10 years, which, with my limited experience, I have found to be of a really quality. But then, following your advice, I got a series of bottles that I am still experiencing like Caol Ila 12 years, Lagavulin 8 years, Ardbeg 10 years. I am still chasing Springbank 10 yo and Port Charlotte Heavily Peated 10 yo, while I found with disappointment that the Ledaig 10 and Arran 10 yo are out of stock in Milan, where I live (I still don't feel comfortable buying a bottle online). While writing I am enjoying Caol Ila for my “magical malt moments”, but it won't last long since I can't resist pouring myself a wee dram once or twice a day. I will then begin to explore the world of Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Which one do you recommend starting with? A sincere toast from Italy and a wish for the times to come! Francesco Quaranta

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . Ardbeg 10yo, and thanks for the excellent comment.

[@rebelcityred1624]

Pure coincidence, I bought my first bottle of Clynelish 14 yo just last month… From the first dram I really enjoyed it, very much a cut above similarly priced malts, and many costing twice as much. Got to say, I didn’t get a hint of the professed ‘waxiness’,but loved the green fruit flavours, digestive biscuits, and sweet spot sweetness. Would absolutely buy again, but not quite up there with my go to reasonably priced favourite, Deanston 12 y o… Another great Vlog Ralphy…Best wishes from Nottingham

[@jamescostigan3721]

I picked up a bottle of this today and I am loving it. I think it is in my Top 5 Scotch favorites with Arran 10, Deanston 12, Glencadam 10, and Bunnahabhain 12 (honorable mention to The Classic Laddie & Balblair 12. As you can guess, I'm not a peat fan). I nearly passed this by because I'd read it had "smoke", and I don't care much for smoke. I detect no smoke in this at all. It is a FABULOUS dram. I may never have tried it except for your review, so thank you for that. I'm so glad to have this in my small "quality" collection. I rate it a bit higher than you, but Ithen I don't have the experience that you have. I just enjoy it very much for the experience that I have. Cheers!

[@frankf5426]

Bought a bottle this year based on your 2017 review. I really enjoyed it. Now that your score went from the 91 back then to 84 now I'm in doubt, lol. I think for someone like you Ralphy who drinks so much, its hard to be wowed over and over again by the same scotch. And although scotch changes and batches vary we as people also get used to everything, as does our palate. You can only drink a scotch for the first time once. And if its amazing then every time we drink it again we compare it to that amazing first time. Which is not really fair. Some times I wonder how much of our experience is determined by our moods, our daily lives and nostalgia. I mean the number of times I heard you say a dram was better in the past is very high. Its the like the industry is going downhill except for a couple of your favorite distilleries. Could it be that it becomes harder and harder for your palate to be truly impressed and could it be that thousands of single malt experiences you had might sometimes get mixed up in your memory when you recall them? We all try to be objective, but how much bias is there really?

[@zamarcha]

Their is an obvious one on ralfy for sure if you have experience, almost admitted in the case of this video. But the message is pretty relevant even if it seem grumpy. The neverending comeback in all-consumer popularity in scotch definetly drive the quality down, people drink too much scotch, their is too much speculation too, demand is too high for the producers not be tempted to raise the offer without investing in the proper amount of quality : malt, casks, etc. Sometimes even reducing fermentation, messing with the wash protocol, the abv, the palate reception for the blending, etc. The conclusion : we are all responsible for this and its basically because others whiskies and spirits need to be tasted more

[@fredlabosch5164]

A certain amount of bias from past experience cannot be ruled out, for that much I agree. Yet, I had a dram of Talisker 10yo bottled in 2006 the other day, which was pretty much around the time when I had my first encounter with it. I was wowed then, and I was wowed now. A true quality dram will ALWAYS deliver and pick you up just where you're at, no matter if you've already drank one thousand whiskies or only ten. And quality dropped immensely within the last years all across the board, OBs and indies. It's become really hard to find such gems, especially if you can't throw money around like your name was Rockefeller.

[@geo5291]

Blind positivity and assuming things weren't better in the past uts is own bias. You are so correct, nothing like the first time. But we also, many of us start off disliking or not understanding things, then we grow into them. It balances out. If you can quantify opinions with evidence, and Ralfy does - Iiste. And still an opinion.

[@missingfamilyforever]

I love Clynelish 14. It and Bunnahabhain 12 are my favorite daily drinkers. I love the waxy funkiness of Clynelish 14. I love it so much that I offered it as my favorite to my now passed father when he asked to taste my "best whisky"; knowing well that I had well over 300 bottles available to try.

[@andrewstevenson1955]

I love ❤️ the birds 🦢 chirping in the background! Thank you Ralfy ❤️🇨🇦

[@rubbadubman]

Ralfy I just wanted to let you know that I followed your advice on adding a dash of ardbeg to a jameson. My picks were the ardbeg 10yo (fireplace in a glass) and the jameson black barrel(a creamy banana milkshake but a bit boring by itself). And wow! My mind was blown, I got a whole new level of fragrances and tastes came to me. I highly recommend any malt mate who hasn’t tried this to give it a go! Thank you Ralfy for your years of entertainment and informative videos. I also have a recommendation for you if you can get it on the Isle of Man: Rutte single malt. Rutte is a jenever(dutch courage) distiller of traditional Dutch spirit. They recently came out with a 5 year old single malt aged in bourbon barrels but with the addition of juniper berry as is traditional to the spirit. It’s very interesting in both taste and smell.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I will look out for it, and glad your blending worked.

[@jreganinfo]

I appreciated this review as I have just opened a fresh bottle of Clynelish 14! I tasted before watching and thought the difference from my memory of prior bottles must be my own palate or poor memory. Less waxy, bitter, citrus and less challenging than I recall, and less enjoyable because of it. More approachable, but something does seem lost. But I'll give this bottle a few more tastings before I judge too harshly, as Clynelish was one of the scotches that taught me to appreciate scotch.

[@mamuka1977]

As usual thank you so much for a wonderful reviews and videos. First time I ever try this particular ball was a couple of years ago and I really did not like it)))) I will thank you for a price I pay for it I could get way better stuff. Coincidentally I just got the bottle for a birthday and I'm looking forward to trying it again , with a little bit more sophisticated palette. Thank you for all your work and the great advices.

[@mcw2553]

Fully agree here, the whisky itself is still very nice and - for me anyway - on the same level as the Ledaig 10, Springbank 10 (ok, maybe less so because of the lack of availability) and Arran 10 as far as best-in-class standard bottlings, but the waxiness for me was missing entirely as well.

[@fredlabosch5164]

Seconding that, had this a while ago and imo Clynelish 14yo OB has become somewhat of a relatively exchangable 'semi-fruit-driven' bourbon cask malt. Lacking true profile but really competent at what it does. Older bottlings displayed that true profile but had other problems instead.

[@bryanabrams5916]

The current bottle compares with Ledaig and Springbank?! That is blasphemous. Those two beautiful integrity brands should never be in the same sentence as any Diageo product!!! I hope you are referring to the pre-Diageo malt. Any Deanston or Glencadam bottle beat the brakes off this stuff for a better price to boot!

[@blazecummer2474]

Recently finished my first bottle of this excellent single-malt. Tasting it neat serves only to a promise but once you add a wee bit of water it truly blossoms! Cheers, Ralfy - you never failed to pick out the finest🥃

[@krishnar3493]

Thank you, Ralf. Lovely round up of the whisky.

[@michalpawlicki2584]

Tempted by the reviews and high marks, 've tried Clynelish 14 for the firat tima a few weeks ago. And you are sooo right, Ralfy - what I had been asking myself when sipping it, was 'What about all this waxiness?! Where the hell is it?'. I found the dram as decent one, but nothing special - like 83/100. And I must admit that my disappointment was pretty big. Thanks for another great review and all the best, Ralfy!

[@markwebster8743]

Clynelish is one of my favourites and this for me is a great malt. I have a bottle on the go but haven’t bought one recently so can’t comment on newer batches. Really enjoyed the distillers edition of this which I’ve seen recently and it brought back good memories. The clynelish I have on the go I bought 6 years or so ago and take a dram now and again as it’s a bit special, reminds me of young Brora, which isn’t to far away from where it’s made. May have to nurse this bottle a bit longer :-)

[@allanwhittle3041]

Absolutely brilliant review No one tells it like Ralfy . And IMO absolutely spot on still a good whisky but not as oily or distinctive as it once was . Thank you sir , for your honesty and integrity THE main man !!👍🥃

[@marksaliba4194]

Right there with you, Ralfy. Love this dram, but can't help but wonder how much better it would be if it weren't bastardized by Diageo. Same goes for the likes of Lagavulin and Talisker. Unfortunately, independent bottlings are few and far between in 🇨🇦 where I'm from. Cheers 🥃

[@groberti]

I'd love to see another Talisker review from Ralfy with the new bottle design. I think it got much worse, something missing from that as well. It is somehow more smoky, less sweet, less sea salt, seaweed. Simply worse and less complex. Guess this is happening to all Diageo products?

[@jeffswhiskeylounge509]

Ralfy, I'm drinking this one with you tonight! I always enjoy when Ralfy reviews a bottle I happen to have on hand. Ralfy, I agree with your tasting notes on Clynelish 14, but there is one note I picked up that doesn't seem to get mentioned in many Scotch whisky reviews: the malt note. Clynelish 14 has a very noticeable malt note that accompanies the bitterness at the back of the tongue. That maltiness is why I struggle with non-peated Scotch whisky. The stronger it is, the more I'm put off by it. Granted, malted barley is the main ingredient here, so it's a huge challenge for me to enjoy non-peated Scotches. I have managed to find a few where the malt funk is subdued enough that the other flavors are more prominant. I still keep on trying, though. And I always love your reviews and rants Ralfy! Cheers!

[@groberti]

Interesting! I usually try to find more intense malty whiskies, peated or non-peated. Ofc this is subjective, as is anything else :D

[@geoffs6081]

I discovered Clynelish 14 over a decade ago and fell in love with it. Was hard to find but I stocked up when I could. After long years without it I was able to buy some last year and enjoyed it. Had to revisit a dram after watching this video and I have to say I disagree. My taste memory buds don't recall if it's quite as waxy as it used to be, but I still get that characteristic. What I love most about the scotch - the briny, salty crispness, is still there, and it makes a real nice switch of pace when I've overdone it on smoke and Islays. Still a top tier malt in my books and given the overall increase in prices we've seen, increasingly a value to me.

[@whiskycentral]

Great Video! Fair play on the score. :) Love the IBs that are at a higher ABV. I wish it was NC, NCF, but it's Diageo so I am just happy it's at 46% haha.

[@davidowen2834]

I’ve got a 10 year old CS , IB clynelish matured in a FF bourbon cask, it knocks spots off the regular 14, and it cost me about €50. A good buy indeed. Spot on review

[@jamesboddington9565]

Great summary Ralfy! When I first tried Clynelish I thought I found a go to malt for the rest of my life, whilst I'm still going to it, my current bottle is nearing empty and I'm vacillating whether to replace it or get something else, something I never thought I'd be considering. Current Clynelish reminds me of a highly competent wine from a industrial scale producer, very good and satisfying but a mile away from the excitement I get from a Balblair which was how I originally felt about Clynelish

[@naturalfinish]

Thank you for reviewing. Clynelish has always been one of my favorites. I did notice a change and not for the better, a decrease in the trademark wariness that endeared us to this whisky

[@alexeyb8237]

It's been a while since I had been seeing your videos, Ralfy. Really great to see you in a good health after all those messy years. Take care and thank you for your vids.

[@drewambler1235]

I buy every independent bottler of Clynelish as I can. Even the OB still ranks as one of my favorites. Mainly Signatory and SMWS at this time as that is what is more easily available

[@Xteria89]

Clynelish was the first bottle of whisky I ever bought back in 2014. To this day it is still one of the best!

[@whiskystreet3884]

Hello Ralfy ,the last bottle ive tried was around 2014 it was very good indeed...i would say 88.mark..now after some years the price almost doubled up in some markets, so we need to beware...thank you for the review and advice......Cheers

[@DayKlight]

I remember when i bought the clynelish in early 2020, even then it had some apricot, tanin, little sea note. then the waxiness, floral, amazing malt for value, id imagine, without chill filtration and no added color, this malt would´ve been even more intense and richer. couldnt compare to the newer batches yet

[@whamsdram]

It's a while since I bought Clynelish 14 - I some left - I'll look for an independent NCF NAC bottling - just to compare - nice to read that a memorial has been raised at the Manx Air Museum to the Polish airmen who served from Jurby.

[@Chris.71]

I can confirm strong quality fluctuations. Last year I had a 20cl bottle of Clynelish 14, wherein the waxiness was completely absent, and also it appeared overall somewhat less aromatic. Now I had a newer bottling that brings back some waxiness and good taste. I just found an interesting post named 'what makes clynelish so waxy - a detailed look at' that gives a plausible explanation, having to do with the distillery's modernization. Ralfy, I would appreciate it if you could include the bottle code in your reviews, so that people know what year your bottling is from. Thank you for countless great reviews. Greetings from Germany North Sea Coast. (re-posted because my comment just disappeared into nirvana)...

[@maksimminko]

5 months into whisky for now. Starting to explore something besides Glenfiddich. Loved Bunna 12, Bruichladdie CL and Auchentoshan three wood. Today decided to try this one due to the mention of the waxiness among many bloggers. Was blown away (in a good way) by the smell, intense of the flavor and complexity of it. The only downside is the aftertaste which is quite sour and bitter. The bitterness reminded me the IPA beer. Waxiness is definitely there. Felt cigars in the taste. In the end, this whisky delivered so many emotions to me so I'm starting to think it's my new favourite one. Greetings from Germany

[@farshadp6114]

Greeting Ralfy and thanks for the review, this has been under my radar for a while, I only have the game of throne bottle and really liked it. It is a bit pricy the 14 yr old that's why I am waiting for some sales.😄

[@nealbruce5914]

Ralfy, I have been a huge fan of C 14 since you recommended it. It was a step in my malt journey towards a more complex and nuanced whisky. Being difficult to find in my area I found a few bottles of the GOT version. While having the similar waxy characteristics of The 14 it not. Last summer a major store in my area offered the 14 in 200 ml bottles(from the sampler kit) picked up about a dozen of these and to my disappointment I found it not the same! I thought it was me! I even complained to the store finding it almost fizzy with very little of that waxy uniqueness that makes this such an enjoyable malt. While I’m not pleased you also find this much different, I’m glad I’m not crazy(well maybe a little!)! Thank you for enlightening me to batch variations of this magnitude! So disappointed. How the mighty have fallen! Neal(from the States)

[@Itterpirat]

I've heard that the loss of the waxy note is caused by a very thorough cleaning of the feints receiver. Oil deposits, which are responsible for the characteristic note, are removed during cleaning. The management is said to be aware of this and has issued appropriate instructions to avoid this effect. Believe it or not...

[@estoyakula8525]

Didn't they already have this "problem" before, then promised to _not_ correct it, in this exact same fashion? I noticed some older bottlings are amazing for the price and age, but newer ones are becoming increasingly less substantial as time goes on. I can't express enough how much I really, _really,_ dislike Diageo.

[@gillesdebritalycars]

I love Clynelish and like this OB (the last I bought is from 2020.). I’m affraid if the waxyness is not here in 2022… In OB, I tried peated Benromach (bourbon’s version): very nice!!

[@jackthepickledhound]

84 might be a little high for my tastes. I don't really enjoy the bitter note. I'm glad you pointed it out. I think it's part of the profile of a quintessential scotch but I just don't love it in my Clynelish bottle. I never noticed much of a waxiness either. I was almost tempted by the GOT 50+% version but it sounds like an independent bottler is the only way to go.

[@stephenvanwijk9669]

I am new in whisky land, 10 months experience. Learned also that if it is Diageo, I don’t buy that stuff no more, or, I must have overall reviewers consistent and very positive feedback. If Ralfy says no, I trust him, no matter what the other guys say. I agreed already, before I discovered this channel, on Bunnahabhain 12 and Ardbeg Corryvreckan. Bought Glencadam 15 and Glenmorangie 14, after reviews of Ralfy. I don’t regret those purchases, very good whisky.

[@tonyv9586]

As usual, he's right. I have a 19 year Clynelish bottled by Lonach. It is natural color and amazing.

[@coffeeortea547]

I was watching a video made by a tea enthusiast, he mainly focuses on East Asian teas varieties. He was trying to convey this point that the tea enthusiasm culture is kind of all about the small and nuanced differences. You won't get the same taste from the same tree one year after the next but that's part of why it's so interesting. It seems to me that whisky enthusiasm is quite similar and the pursuit of uniformity is more in service of a corporate agenda to create brand value than something done for the benefit of people who purchase whisky, including the mass market consumers.

[@peterwilcox7188]

Hey ralfy,great review as usual,really enjoy this and believe it or not I never realised about the colouring and chill filtration of this whisky as it is so good,,sorry to say though now,I won't be replacing the one I have,,I get so frustrated about the whole colouring and chill filtering nonsense,companies need to bloody stop it,,,cheers my friend.pete.

[@infinitefitness5417]

Ralphy, thank you for saving my 68$ today. I almost bought this before I watched your review. Settled for Ardbeg An Oa which was 3$ cheaper. No regrets risked. Only curiosity missed.

[@ssd1874]

Agree 100% have had 3 bottles last one half way through still good but not great a chieftains independent 14 year was wonderful but no independent bottling available at a reasonable price unfortunately

[@nickburke5263]

Bought a bottle a l few years back. Remains probably my top 5 all time whiskys. So unique and understated. I also really enjoyed how it evolved as the bottle went down. Thanks for the comments ralfy in particular on the independent bottlings, need to get my hands on one to compare

[@blindtomuk]

Just bought another bottle of this. Cost me 35. It is still a great whisky for that comparatively low price. I do have an IB Clynelish which is excellent, but it is twice the age and 5 times the price

[@andrewwohl11]

I’ve had the Gordon Macphail version on Clynelish 11 and it was fantastic. Nonchill filtered, natural coloring, 46% and very waxy and pencil shavings indeed.

[@shugaroony]

This was one of the whiskies I really struggled with when I started my journey, might try it again sometime to see if I can change my mind on it.

[@Tantrum777]

Bitterness in wild plants is often a warning that it is poisonous. I think that is the main reason we have a hard time with it.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . good point, bitter accompanies the best medicines and worse poisons.

[@StevenCalwas]

Clynelish recently appeared on my liquor store's shelf after an absence of several years. I welcomed a revisit and just finished the bottle last week. I was shocked at the difference. Opening the bottle, the nose and taste were strongly fizzy orange soda. For the first 20% of the bottle, it smelled and tasted like Fanta Orange soda and vodka. Finally, the tangerine effects disappeared and what remained was a decent generic whisky--drinkable, but nothing identifiable as Clynelish. I had been looking forward to catching up with an old friend, but was left disappointed that they never showed up.

[@marcdedecker3400]

The timing of this review is astounding. As the old bottling was one of my favourite I was just about to have my brother bring a bottle from the UK (don’t find this in my country) this review saved me a disappointing waste of money. A real shame as that waxiness is one of the most unique notes I have encountered in a whisky. Only AncNoc has come close. Thanks Ralfy!

[@marcdedecker3400]

@@johndoh4523 I literally just said the old bottling was one of my favourite?

[@marcdedecker3400]

@@johndoh4523 ok so perhaps some context then for the unnecessarily salty internet person... Seeing as importing whisky to my country results in almost doubling the retail price due to import duties, and visitors traveling being allowed only one whisky per person, why would I take a risk importing this new bottling from the UK when a) I have tried the original and it's better and b) there are literally thousands of other whiskies that I would prefer to take the risk on if I only have ONE option to choose? No I am not some sheep that just does what Ralfy says, I have watched countless whisky reviews and tried hundreds of whiskies to know that Ralfy is undoubtedly the most consistently accurate in his process and as a result can generally trust his judgement, so again: why would I risk bringing in this lesser version when I can try something new and highly recommended? Thanks for confirming for me why I never leave comments on KZbin...

[@ssd1874]

Good point well made overwhelming this channel has thoughtful and encouraging feedback imho🍻

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

I was gifted a bottle back in 2019 and it was very good and clouded up when I added water. The recent bottlings have evidently changed. Sadly. Thanks 🙏 Ralfy for your sincere review. Grazie 🙏 ciao 👋 S.

[@Gagz]

Just bought this as my first ever clynelish and was a little disappointed to see only 84 coz I mostly go for 85+ malt marked ones...for a $100 CAD still not bad especially since u recommend it... Please redo a 2021 Glenallachie 12 @46%...would seriously appreciate it!!

[@PinkTorpedo909]

My bottle of this about a year and a half old, and I love it. It’s tucked away in the back so hopefully no one notices it..

[@raeraeraeth]

Interesting. I tried it recently and get waxy pencil shavings on the glass once finished (very pleasant) but nothing like the huge waxiness while drinking it as mentioned in older KZbin reviews. One of the big flavours I get is wasabi - I suspect if you like horse radish you will like this whisky

[@sergioackermann5522]

I bought my first bottle of clynelish recently, and I didn't find that waxiness that everyone talks about. I thought it was my problem, but it turns out it wasn't there anymore!

[@grahamcartwright5141]

I had the very same experience recently, I also thought it must have been me, but as usual, Ralfy give us the answers we're looking for.

[@VoxGothica]

Exact same experience for me. Was doubting myself despite how many times Ralfy has told us to trust our sense of taste and smell, but if Ralfy doesn’t detect it either, then it isn’t there. Period.

[@boozedancingtv]

We JUST reviewed this! Though it hasn't posted yet. We really enjoyed it!

[@welshtoro3256]

I completely agree with your conclusion Ralfy. It's a decent, traditional, malt but there's something a bit pedestrian about it. I agree with Olivier that the waxiness matters. There's been some batch issues too. A couple of years ago a number of us thought it had gone down considerably. I buy stuff that I think I'm going to like so it doesn't go below 80 very much. However, I think this is an 82 these days. A legendary distillery such as Brora/Clynelish should have some expressions we can get excited about. It's Diageo presentation but even so the 14 falls short of my expectation.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . there is going to be worse to follow ! You can see it coming. Try JW black label and weep !

[@welshtoro3256]

@@thewhiskybothy The rumour mill is suggesting a huge Diageo price rise before long too. Diageo's CEO, Ivan Menezes, was recently interviewed on the BBC's flagship radio news programme, 'Today'. They were discussing the incredible sales of Diageo in today's volatile market. What made it interesting to me was how he didn't mentioned single malt whisky once. It was very clear that Johnnie Walker is their flagship brand with a global presence. E150 and filtration are alien words to 99% of the whisky drinking world.

[@thewhiskybothy]

@@welshtoro3256 . . . this time next year will be a very different landscape. And I predict that the new Brora will be a squib.

[@watson946]

Ralfy, you cannot be serious! Oh no! Its true though, my mother taste tested a small dram of this and campbeltown loch. She hit the latter first, and declared it much better in all aspects than clynelish. I tried the same two and had to agree. It has for sure changed.

[@Houman7]

How unlucky I am, did some research just 3 weeks ago including your last review of Clynlish 14 and happily bought it. It turned out to be a completely flat, at first I thought I might not understand it properly but let few of my friends tried it we realized it’s not great. It might be inconsistency or batch variations but I’m not gonna get this bottle anymore

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . watch OSWA.com

[@prestonw3878]

I think Diageo will bring back the special release edition for this single malt, hopefully along with other random distillerys they own. Imagine how cool the bottle art would have been if Clynelish was part of the 2021 releases.

[@michaelgonzalez347]

Sounds very interesting. I have not had a Clynelish yet. I do want to give it a try, it would be nice to compare it to an older version as well. 84 sounds like a fair honest mark. Thanks Ralfy

[@jackthepickledhound]

It's a righteous 46% whisky. All thing being equal I think you could find other options at the same price point that might be more natural. The bitterness, the range of flavors that a righteous whisky presents is beyond expectations. That's why Clynelish still has a good reputation and people speak very highly of it. We all know what scotch should taste like. I say that a righteous whisky does at least 1 thing towards that expectation really well.

[@richardparkin6119]

I do get the impression though that you are not comparing this "vintage" of the 14 year old with imagined potential and various independent bottlings. That as opposed to slightly older bottlings of the 14 year old. I agree though that an unchillfiltered version of the same spirit aged in the same casks would be something to behold. Recently finished a single cask Signatory Clynelish and although the flavours were a bit simple, the mouthfeel was divine and close to unique.

[@madpete6438]

Was hard to get in New Zealand 5 years ago.... Just found a bottle and ordered it - thanks for the heads up.

[@madpete6438]

And your analysis was dead on accurate..... Oh well - a slightly disappointing adventure in taste.. I put it down to being old and having rusty brain.

[@ralphwatten2426]

ralfy, dad was a school bus driver who sometimes had bad days. When he'd come home he'd have a shot of Petri brandy in his recliner. Not a sipper, a slammer. One day when his bottle was about empty I dumped what was in there and made some caramel colored water and put it in that bottle. So about a week later dad came home, poured himself a shot and headed for the chair. As I was going through his lunchbox looking for a leftover chocolate stripe cookie that was sometimes in there I heard an awful, and I can't really spell it but it was something like "AAAAAAWWWWWKKKK" coming from the throat. Kind of a wretch. So when you mention caramel coloring in the whiskey this always comes to mind. Pretty sure Clynelish isn't available here. Thanks for the review.

[@tillmanmcadams1534]

I had this last in Wyoming 2018 and was really looking forward to it due to previous bottles that were outstanding….. it was just okay, which was disappointing as I was trying to introduce Scotch to a few Bourbon heads. I also see a change in my GF12…. Hurts as a little Sherry of excellence that is affordable and friendly to those that want a lower Sulfured Sherry is just not as good (25GF is smooth but doesn’t retain the long investigation of complexity that was the greatness of the dram). Arran 10, Glen a Adam, Ledaig 10, Aberlour, Edradour, Ardbeg U, and Cask Strengths (Irish- RB12 cask, Blue Spot 7 Cask, and Sexton for a simple Sherry at budget price). Slainte Mhath! Ardbeg U to ya.

[@calebsteingruber6906]

Lol, I've been sophisticating it since episode 634...this has been one of my favourite and more regular malts, for all the things described. The last bottle I still got that bees wax/homemade candles note, but it may have been fainter, but I think the bottle open is still from a couple years ago (couldn't find the year). I was planning on sipping a Clynelish 14 when this video came up, but I had already poured my first dram of Glen Scotia 15, so enjoying that with some pistachios. Cheers!

[@jackthepickledhound]

I'd drink and buy GS 15 all day everyday over a CL14. I wish I could enjoy the Clynelish bitterness but it's just not doing it for me the way I can enjoy the GS. I also have a thing against Diageo. Nothing personal, just that my liver doesn't appreciate e150 and filtered whisky. Even though we're not to sure about GS adding color.

[@peterbushell5348]

Love the whiskeys. Love the reviews. But most of all, I love the cockerells in the background of the bothy.

[@NicolasMD85]

Good review, not very informative for those of us who haven't got a chance to taste this malt, but it reflects perfectly Ralfy's frustration and tiredness with a non-integrity bottlings out there. Fair enough.

[@DileepB]

Will have to try the Whisky Galore 11yr Clynelish 1992, bottled at 46% and in its natural form with no chill filtering or colorings of any kind.

[@seanreeves3503]

Thank you for making me smile.

[@MetaPrometheus]

Well this is unfortunate. I've been looking up reviews and blinds on Clynelish 14. The waxy note that gets brought up so much was intriguing. Sad to hear that the waxy note is not always there anymore or not to the same degree it was before. Plus coloring and chill filtration? That's the kind of stuff that pushed me away from Scotch in the first place. I'll say that the world of bourbon isn't any better as far as marketing and production shenanigans. So now I find myself back to exploring other whisky types again. Any suggestions on waxy note Scotch alternatives to Clynelish? I'm already on the lookout for Craigellachie! Sulphur and mineral notes sounds so awesome! Plus being a rock hound, the thought of a whisky tasting like licking rocks is so exciting! I was also informed recently that some of the Stagg barrel proof batches from Buffalo Trace can exhibit mineral notes. So perhaps bourbon isn't a complete loss for me after all! I'm also exploring Irish whiskey again. My local store got Redbreast 12 year cask strength recently, so I picked up a bottle.

[@OMGhaggis]

I got a bad bottle of this a couple years back, what a disappointment! Like sucking on a steel wool pad. No thank you - and here in Canada, this stuff 'aint cheap! Always a favourite, but it'll be a few more years I think before I return to Clynelish. I sure miss those old bottlings from 15 years ago! Distiller's Edition? Now that was a lovely dram!

[@jacknapier2089]

Most important thing of anything you review is: YOU PAID FOR IT. Fact of the matter is any major publication doesn't disclose how they got access to it. Of course, this 47 year Bourbon is fantastic! 10321 out of 100 points!

[@danielstermole1234]

I just finished a bottle of this several weeks ago. A great disappointment. Years ago this whisky was a light blonde color. Hint, no 150 color. And with the addition of purified water it developed the mist. Hint, non chill filtered. Now it's colored and chill filtered and the price has risen. It tasted like brown sugar water! 150 not only adds color but it alters the taste. A shame. I now only purchase whisky that I know is natural color and non chill filtered and bottled at least 46% ABV. And those options are getting rarer and rarer! Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 and even the Classic Laddie are my go to lately. Integrity bottles!

[@mechanicalhippo493]

Couldn't agree more , PC 10 is 65 where I am . That's on the high end of what I normally like to spend but it's so good !!!

[@gcbrain2933]

Well what can i say. 4 out of 5 bottles in my stash are from independent bottlers, cask strenght, no chillfiltration like adelphi

[@neelsrademan7930]

Hallo Ralfy How are you ? Please help , i just opened a Springbank 10 and the cork broke from the lid !! Small cork pieces fell into my Springbank. Why did the cork brake ? I managed to remove nearly all cork pieces but there are about 3 small pieces still inside. Will this spoil my Springbank ? Kind regards from South Africa

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . it will be fine, decant the Springbank into a decanter. Smell the cork and if it smells 'fusty' or the cork looks very stained, get it checked out at the retailer as you may have a tainted malt. It will probably be ok though.

[@neelsrademan7930]

@@thewhiskybothy Thank you

[@langtoun8235]

The recent bottlings of Clynelish 14 taste nothing like 99% of the many Clynelish I’ve tasted, the 14 is the worst example of Clynelish I’ve tasted by a long way, none of the classic waxy and citrus notes. No plans to buy another bottle any time soon.

[@bradl2636]

Just did a flight over 3 days C14, Arran 14 and Kilkerran 12. The Clynelish just isnt quite up to these other two but it's a decent sipper.

[@bradl2636]

Coming back to this today after taking a dram following comments from another reviewer... yes it's good... but imagine it as an integrity bottling. C'mon Diageo...

[@geo5291]

Honestl, i like the GOT Cleyne a bunch. I think if you find those on shelves, they are better than bottling of the last 2 years.

[@SuperDutchjohn]

Hi Ralfy, this is a good and fair whisky for it's price, but when you want the wax and stuff typically for Clynelish you better try the 10 years old from Claxton's, it is way better!!

[@900nrg]

yes... the last 2 bottles i had were missing the wax of the first bottle i bought, but for me is unchillfitered as they turned cloudy when water was added ,maybe the 2022 is chill filtered.

[@evilhamster118]

Slight adulterations and quality drop aside this is an enjoyable 46% 14 year old Clynelish for £35.25, there is no well priced alternatives on the market sadly.

[@robfut9954]

I found an old bottle in my parents cupboard that’s half full from the early 2000’s. It’s still good so I’m going to compare it with a new bottle soon.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . .you will notice a big difference.

[@gauravsoni3265]

Very nice review Ralfy, thank you for your input. No extras this week ? :(

[@MacMichael267]

I am hearing you Ralfy, it is a shame that the cask management has gone south. That said, 84 points mean a drinkable sipper in my book, and when the Clynelish 14 is on sale it is still ok to me. And I certainly am spoiled by better single malts, also Indie Clynelishes!

[@danhammer106]

Argh, one of my favorites. Well, I guess it's "try before u buy" for this OB from now on. And for anyone here, who'd like to have an alternative: I've tried my bottle from 2020 against Pulteney 16 (yea, the travel retail one, I know, dreadful words) and they very much belong to a similar genre, but OP 16 has a bit more salt, it's maybe cleaner, fresher, with a touch of good tannins (the bitterness). Perhaps it's just my opinion, but next time I'll go to the Pulteney to get what I used to enjoy in Clynelish. And maybe the C14 too, but the rule from above applies.

[@Dan-hn1lx]

My only problem with this bottle is that it runs out too quick because its damn good and I've been babying it....Cheers

[@Alex-pr6zv]

Ive a bottling of Ian Macleod's AWGI which has some of those Clynelish hallmarks you mentioned, including a somewhat waxy texture. I wonder🤔

[@iancrombie8862]

At least your review 612 got a 90!Clynelish 15 Gordon & McPhail...tried to get it a couple of years ago,but they had run out..a good sign i think!👍

[@Whiskey_BS]

Thanks for the review, Ralfy. Wondering if you know the code for Clynelish 14 bottle markings. I bought a bottle here in the US about a year ago and cannot interpret the marking for a date. Other distillers use markings that have clearer mfg dates. For example, I found a bottle of Glendronach 12 last month that had a date marking of 2019 and the sleeve said “non-chill filtered”. But even after 3 years in the bottle, the GD12 tastes better to me than the CL14.

[@apostoloskapranas5134]

I have a 2020 bottle and is quite waxy ...in fact I just poured a dram right now. 84 is quite low considering also PLV

[@jimm8799]

Almost purchased tonight. Don’t understand the chill filtration. Just doesn’t need it.

[@marcwhiskey]

I poured this last night. What a surprise for the review today. I found it a bit different from most single malts at first. There's still something i can't quite pinpoint but now that I've had a few pours I'm noticing nicer fruit notes with the malty character

[@ErrolCaldwell]

Ralfy, love your reviews. Would you consider doing one to comment on the mustyness or musty taint that some whiskys offer. I for one am totally disgusted by a musty taint in whisky. I have returned several bourbon for that reason and have been very disappointed in some beloved drams like Deanston due to musty notes, perhaps due to bad casks or other factors. It would be good to know what factors contribute to what I consider a major failure in a good whisky.

[@scannon90]

Second opinion, I bought a bottle of Clynelish 14 in 2020 after tasting a really good independent bottlers' version of it around seven years' prior in around 2013. Despite this distillery's fine reputation, I found it the standard 14 year old pretty lackluster and boring, and finishing the bottle has become something of a chore. I don't think it is significantly better than a Glenlivet 12 and it's about twice the price.

[@Venderkirk]

great review, sláinte!

[@Xelonir]

I prefer the GoT edition with its 51.2% ABV over the normal 14, even though it's an NAS.

[@robfut9954]

Clynelish is one of my all-time favorite malts!

[@anirutvideo]

Just bought 3 bottles and wondered where was the wax (& peat). Now I got the answer. Still a very good whisky, though.

[@davet7185]

I feel like we've climbed a munro only to find that the zenith is cloaked in mist.....there is no view to be had. Ah well, it's back down for my sandwiches and a cup of tea. As we all know by now Ralfy, there are many munros to be ascended and enjoyed 😉; slainte mhath Maestro.

[@markmckenzie3522]

Have been wanting to buy a bottle of the OB14 but found it to be pricey (over $70 USD) I bought the cask strength OB Game of Thrones bottle for around $50 and it is really great....I get a huge peach/apricot flavor profile and it can take water really well. Most reviews comparing both bottles resulted in preferring the OB 14 expression....sounds like I should just find another bottle of the GoT cask strength