This is only the second Blended Malt to be part of the Diageo Special Releases series, and follows the 2017 release of Collectivum – which blended malt whiskies from all 28 of Diageo’s active malt whisky distilleries in Scotland. “Cladach” is Scots Gaelic for “coastal,” and this whisky comes from six distilleries all located within a mile of the Scottish coast: Caol Ila, Talisker, Lagavulin, Oban, Clynelish, and Inchgower.

The nose is rich and complex with notes of baked apples, honey, nutmeg, and a subtle hint of oak. The taste is complex with a good balance of spices and sweetness. Allspice, clove, nutmeg, and ginger root are complemented nicely by butterscotch, honey, and baked apples, while a hint of oak comes out as the spices fade. The finish is long, well-balanced, and complex with lingering spices and a subtle sweetness. Excellent! (September, 2018)