Clynelish

Clynelish is a Highland whisky distillery in Sutherland. The original distillery was founded in 1819, but a newer one, built adjacent to the first, was opened in 1969 to keep up with demand. The former, known as the Brora Distillery, has now closed and bottlings from there are eagerly sought after.

What makes Clynelish so popular is its unusual waxy character, which makes it perfect for blending. There are notes of apple, malt and honey, accompanied by a sumptuously oily mouth feel. Due to its location by the sea, Clynelish also has a distinctly coastal quality, adding a slight Islay profile to this otherwise mainland malt.

Official expressions have been few and far between, with the 14 Year Old being the first named release to enter the market in 2002. This is because Clynelish has historically been used as a whisky for blends, such as Johnnie Walker Gold Label. 10 and 12 year old whiskies have been made available as part of Diageo special releases.