Clynelish 15 Years Old 2009 Cask #HL 21692 (Old Malt Cask)

This Clynelish was bottled by the independent Hunter Laing, a 15 year old, distilled in 2009, from cask HL 21692, bottled at 50%, one of 320 bottles. Clynelish is a Highland single malt of waxy, coastal character from Brora in Sutherland. The lost Brora distillery beside it, closed in 1983, was revived by Diageo in 2021.

Distilled for the waxy, oily spirit Clynelish is known for, building the cult Clynelish waxiness. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the wax. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend tropical fruit while ellagitannins add a drying grip to the waxy malt. Refill oak lets the famous Clynelish wax lead, lemon and honey beneath. A coastal maturation lends a faint brine to the waxy, oily spirit. The wax sits at the heart of the spirit, the cask building fruit and honey around it. The cool, salt laden coastal air works into the maturing casks at Brora.

At a hearty 50% it carries real weight. Candle wax, tangerine and a maritime lift, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run candle wax, lemon and a coastal salt. A long, waxy finish carries an orange sweetness. This is the waxy heart of Johnnie Walker Gold.