Cladach Limited Release 2018 Blended Malt 57.1%

Cladach Limited Release 2018 Blended Malt 57.1%

Cladach Blended Malt is from the Diageo Limited Release series in 2018. Cladach means "coastline" in Gaelic - here six great coastal malts are united in one, with salty aromas such as sea air, sand and seaweed, then sweet, salty, smoky heat and a sharp, spicy aftertaste.

Scent: Extremely gentle and approachable. Maritime aromas – salt, warm sand, seaweed and varnish – surround a vinous peppery core. Opens quickly to rich notes of honey, lemon and fruit cake. Cooling, with fresh mint and beeswax, then lighter, with ozone, flowers and hints of smoke. Slightly dry. Later, warm malted grain, then mint and a hint of olive brine.
Taste: A rich and absorbing sensation in the mouth. Instantly pleasurable and leaves you wanting more. The taste matches the nose: Salty after a slightly sweet start, with faint fruity and oily notes. A smoky warmth, rich in honey and citrus notes, spreads over the tongue. Then sweet, grainy caramel notes before fresh mint and liquorice in the aftertaste.
Aftertaste: Fabulously sharp, spicy, warm and slightly smoky. A fine balance between smoke, grains and soft tannins. Orange zest and salt, then vanilla. Very breathtaking and carefully balanced throughout.
Stored: New American oak ex-bourbon, American oak refill hogsheads, European oak refill butts, European oak ex-bodega butts.
Coastal Distilleries: Inchgower, Clynelish, Talisker, Oban, Caol Ila and Lagavulin

With a splash of water: In the fragrance, the spices increase, while the whole aroma is drier. The complete impression is a school example of sharpness, fruit, lemon, mint, salt and smoke. The tongue is gentler as gentle marmalade notes are followed by mint, honey, soft tannins and peat. In the long, spicy aftertaste there is a smoky whiff of salty barbecue.