Chorlton Whisky Clynelish 10y First Fill Hogshead (317 bottles) 59% 70cl

Natural Cask Strength, NCF, No added colour, 317 bottles

David Bennett, Chorlton Whisky:

"Right, here I go wandering around the underbelly of the Industrial Revolution for the occasion of this 10-year-old Clynelish! This is the first (named) Chorlton Clynelish, and not the last. Happy days.

On the nose this starts off beautifully fresh, coastal and very gently waxy, with funky fruits popping through.I get beach sand, pineapple cubes, tangerine peel, orange Chewits, condensed milk and some herby olive oil. In the background there's this little thread of menthol and something phenolic. Lovely stuff.

On the palate: waxy citrus, sea water, rose petals, mango - very Clynelish. I also find light herbal touches, and again a slightly phenolic and peppery feeling - almost like someone teaspooned the cask with a bit of Talisker. (They didn't.) The development is on more citrus, caramel, soot, salt and touches of stone fruit in the finish. It takes a bit of water beautifully.

It's genuinely heartening that Clynelish's current production is so good. This is top-notch stuff, with great texture and character, and both the fruity and coastal aspects of the spirit in full flow.

(Rumours that the chap on the label is a cousin of Hector McDram cannot be substantiated at this point.)"