Clynelish 10 Years Old 2008 Cask #800152 + 800153 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage bottled this Clynelish, a 10 year old, distilled in 2008, from cask 800152 + 800153, bottled at 46%. Clynelish is the coastal Highland malt whose waxiness has made it a cult favourite. Water comes from the Clynemilton Burn, the spirit drawn off three wash and three spirit stills.

It was worked through the tall stills for a citrussy, oily spirit, building the cult Clynelish waxiness. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed vanilla. By the integrating teens congeners fade and esters build, the waxy, oily spirit growing rounder. The cool, salt laden coastal air works into the maturing casks at Brora. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the wax. Most of its make goes to blending, with a fourteen year old the flagship single malt. It is the heart malt of Johnnie Walker Gold Label, and a sought after single malt in its own right.

Reduced to 46%, it is supple. Candle wax, tangerine and a maritime lift, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A beeswax and a savoury edge give it depth. A long, waxy finish carries an orange sweetness. This is Clynelish's oily, coastal Highland style.