Cadenhead‘s Clarendon 2003

Clarendon's pot still spirit, sold under the Monymusk name, is a workhorse that can age into something refined, and Cadenhead's has a long pedigree of bottling exactly this kind of single cask. This 2003 vintage reaches 17 years, presented unsweetened and at natural cask strength.

Distilled from molasses on the pot still and matured in ex-bourbon oak in Europe, the slower continental ageing favours a smooth, elegant style over raw power. The aroma is herbal and fruity with glue and eucalyptus, the palate turns woody, spicy and elegant with tropical fruit, and the finish dries out into herbs, oak and toasted notes. There is light gluey funk and balanced mango, with the wood and fruit nicely matched at 52.6%. Reviewers reach for words like smooth and well rounded, which makes this a good fit for drinkers who enjoy drier, balanced Jamaicans with a touch of herbal depth.