Clynelish 21 Years Old 1997 Chewy Pineapple Crisps (Wemyss)

The family bottler Wemyss Malts bottled this Clynelish, a 21 year old, distilled in 1997, bottled at 46%, one of 261 bottles. Clynelish is a waxy, citrussy Highland single malt from the village of Brora. Water comes from the Clynemilton Burn, the spirit drawn off three wash and three spirit stills.

The spirit was drawn off three wash and three spirit stills, for an oily, lemony make with a savoury edge. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, vanilla beneath the oily, coastal spirit. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (orange and pineapple) over the deepening wax. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the waxy, citrussy core over the years. The unpeated make leans on texture and citrus, the cask adding depth. It is the heart malt of Johnnie Walker Gold Label, and a sought after single malt in its own right. Active wood frames the citrus without smothering the waxy texture.

Bottled at 46%, it is rounded. An oily wax with citrus and brine, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Orange, beeswax and a maritime salt fill the middle. The close is long, wax over a citrus lift. This is a waxy, citrussy Highland single malt.