Clynelish 14 Years Old ElD Macbeth Act Two The Household (Elixir)

Sukhinder Singh's Elixir Distillers selected this Clynelish, a 14 year old, bottled at 55.1%, one of 1600 bottles. Clynelish makes the celebrated waxy, oily Highland malt on the far north east coast at Brora. The original Clynelish was founded in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford during the Highland Clearances.

It was made in copper stills for a coastal, waxy make, for a maritime spirit with a beeswax richness. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the wax. By the integrating teens congeners fade and esters build, the waxy, oily spirit growing rounder. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the wax. Active wood frames the citrus without smothering the waxy texture. The oily, waxy texture is the signature that blenders prize above all. 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.

At a natural 55.1% it is full and oily. Beeswax, honey and a coastal freshness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A beeswax and a savoury edge give it depth. The finish runs waxy, coastal and clean. This is the cult waxy malt of Brora.