Clynelish 11 Years Old 2010 First Cask (Whisky Import Nederland)

From the bottler Whisky Import Nederland, an 11 year old Clynelish, distilled in 2010, bottled at 55.4%. Clynelish, built in 1967 beside the old Brora distillery, is known for its signature waxy texture. The lost Brora distillery beside it, closed in 1983, was revived by Diageo in 2021.

It was distilled from unpeated malt in the distillery's tall stills, to build a waxy, coastal, citrussy spirit. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed vanilla. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the waxy body oilier and softer. The oily, waxy texture is the signature that blenders prize above all. Water comes from the Clynemilton Burn, the spirit drawn off three wash and three spirit stills. The distillery was built in 1967 next to the original Clynelish of 1819, which was renamed Brora and later closed. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the wax.

At a hearty 55.4% it carries real weight. Candle wax, lemon and a coastal salt, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A beeswax and a savoury edge give it depth. Citrus, wax and a faint brine see out the finish. This is a coastal Highland single malt of rare texture.