Clynelish 25-year-old (D.1996, B.2022) Douglas Laing's XOP/unpacked/ 48.4%/ 0.7l

Fred Laing's XOP series debuted in 2014, a dozen or so months after the division of Douglas Laing & Co.'s assets between the two Laing brothers.

XOP stands for Xtra Old Particular and refers to the finest single malt and single grain casks from the family’s stockpile. The Clynelish 25 year old on display here is one of the jewels of the XOP collection. Distilled in October 1996, the whisky spent over a quarter of a century in a refilled hogshead cask # DL 15942. Bottled in June 2022 at cask strength (48.4% abv) and non-chill-filtrated in a limited edition of 237 bottles. Based in the northern Highlands, Clynelish is a key distillery in the Diageo portfolio. The whisky is a key component of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve and an important ingredient in other versions of the most popular Scottish blend. (Official tasting note.)

Aroma : rich and soothing, filled with the scent of autumn fruits, honey and vanilla.

Palate : pleasantly oily and waxy, barley malt, baked apples sprinkled with brown sugar, biscuits and coffee.

Finish : long, with notes of spicy pears, raisins, juicy citrus, milk fudge and licorice.