Clynelish 22 Years Silver Seal Gaetano Donizetti Elisir d'amore Cask:7562 51.7% 1993

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Serge Valentin (89)

Do not dream, this is not love potion, the name refers to Donizetti’s well-known opera. Now on second thought, I’ve never tried to put a little Clynelish behind my ears, that may work!

Colour: white wine.

Nose: dry, austere, mezcaly, mineral, smoky, waxy… It’s a bonfire on the beach, with some tar and some petrol (from the boat). A bone dry Clynelish, it seems, as the colour already suggested. With water: rain water and cut grass.

Mouth (neat): immense, peaty (yes!), Brora-ish, peppery, lemony, mineral… No prisoners taken. Elisir d’Amore, but of course. It tends to become a little fizzy and spritzig, though, which is a little less… seductive. With water: lemons come out. Citrons, lemongrass, Thai basil, radish sprouts… Plus a little vanilla and raisins. Welcome back to civilisation.

Finish: rather long, rather sweeter. Apple juice, tinned fruits… Reminds me of earlier vintages of Clynelish.

Comments: it’s that fizziness that’ll prevent me from going to or above 90. Other than that, mi piace a lot…