Clynelish 25 Years Old 1996 Cask #DL 15936 (XOP)

This Clynelish was bottled by the Glasgow bottler Douglas Laing, a 25 year old, distilled in 1996, from cask DL 15936, bottled at 55.1%, one of 487 bottles. Clynelish is a coastal Highland distillery at Brora in Sutherland, famous for its waxy single malt. It is the heart malt of Johnnie Walker Gold Label, and a sought after single malt in its own right.

The spirit was drawn off three wash and three spirit stills, giving the oily, candle wax character Clynelish is prized for. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the waxy character to the fore. Oxidative, evaporative ageing turns the malt deep and waxy, ethereal esters and a faint sotolon (maple). Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the wax. Clynelish sits on the North Sea coast at Brora, in the far north east of the Highlands. The original Clynelish was founded in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford during the Highland Clearances.

At a natural 55.1% it is full and oily. An oily wax with citrus and brine, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is waxy and citrussy, the oily spirit shining through. A long, oily finish ends on lemon and beeswax. This is an oily, maritime Highland single malt.