Whisky of the week # 49 – Clynelish 14 year old

46% abv

A superb example of what Clynelish can produce.
Quite coastal.
Balance is sublime & the mouthfeel is perfectly rounded.

Clynelish Distillery is near Brora, Sutherland in the Highlands of Scotland.
The new distillery was built in 1968 adjacent to the original which was closed.
Confusingly the original distillery was reopened in May 1969 until July 1973 producing heavily peated whisky to supply blending.
This was to cover for a shortage of Islay whisky caused by drought on the islands.

Clynelish has had a strong connection with Johnnie Walker . A large proportion of the spirit used in Johnnie Walker gold label comes from this distillery.

The barley that makes Clynelish is still malted in the Northern Highlands & the water is piped down from the Clynemilton Burn to the distillery.
Through there Master Distiller these combine to make the cool,coastal single malt whisky, aged in oak casks for at least 14 years.

Such was the reputation in those early days only private customers were supplied . Trade orders refused.
In 1886 the early whisky tourist Alfred Barnard wrote that this was always the highest priced of any Scotch Whisky.

Nose…Zesty ,Mandarin,Tangerine,Smoky.

Palate… Quite light,great clarity,orange,soft acidity,dry oak,mixed fruits ,Vanilla Leather.

Finish… Quite long,bitter sweetness developing,spicy oak.