Cladach (Special Release 2018) Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

It looks like a Blended Malt offering is going to become part of every annual release following the success of the 'Collectivum'. Diageo have endless potential to create these interesting expressions with their massive array of 27 distilleries and huge blending team working on all the Johnnie Walkers et al. They've gone full coastal this year, combining six distilleries: Caol Ila, Clynelish, Inchgower, Lagavulin, Oban and Talisker. The whiskies are on the younger side and were matured in first fill oak which makes for a vibrant, energetic dram. Tasted at the Diageo launch, we thought this was pretty satisfying, with a lovely oily texture, brooding smokiness and loads of pepper. A little water transforms the profile to salted caramel ice cream.

Other reviews... Sun-bleached driftwood, iodine, curry spices, and hot asphalt, with a highly charged, aromatic smokiness: a combination of peat kiln and crackling moorland blaze. There is serenity too, with soft cream, ripe citrus, and key lime pie. Thick and glossy, it’s an intense, mouth-puckering, cask-strength prospect. Chocolate, cinnamon, and mint collide with a barrage of clove and barrel char. Booming spices reverberate in the grip of an extremely long finish.
92 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2018)