Clynelish 9 Years Old 2008 Cask #800091 (van Wees)

From the Dutch bottler van Wees, a 9 year old Clynelish, distilled in 2008, from cask 800091, bottled at 59%, one of 212 bottles. Clynelish is the coastal Highland malt whose waxiness has made it a cult favourite. The famous wax is said to come from the build up in the distillery's feints receivers.

The spirit was drawn off three wash and three spirit stills, giving the oily, candle wax character Clynelish is prized for. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed vanilla. At an extractive age eugenol lends a clove note and lactones a coconut, the wax and citrus fresh and lively. Active wood frames the citrus without smothering the waxy texture. The oily, waxy texture is the signature that blenders prize above all. Most of its make goes to blending, with a fourteen year old the flagship single malt. Clynelish wax and a maritime salt run through the maturing spirit.

At a natural 59% it is full and oily. The famous wax over lemon and orange, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is thick and oily, the wax coating the palate. The close is long, wax over a citrus lift. This is Clynelish's oily, coastal Highland style.