Clynelish 16 Years Old 1997 Cask #6920 (Meadowside Blending)

From Meadowside Blending, a 16 year old Clynelish, distilled in 1997, from cask 6920, bottled at 46%, one of 366 bottles. Clynelish is a Highland single malt of waxy, coastal character from Brora in Sutherland. The distillery was built in 1967 next to the original Clynelish of 1819, which was renamed Brora and later closed.

It was distilled from unpeated malt in the distillery's tall stills, giving the oily, candle wax character Clynelish is prized for. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, vanilla and honey behind the wax. At oxidative maturity vanillin and lactones are fully expressed, the wax and citrus at their best. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the waxy, citrussy core over the years. The original Clynelish was founded in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford during the Highland Clearances. Water comes from the Clynemilton Burn, the spirit drawn off three wash and three spirit stills.

At 46% it is smooth and waxy. Beeswax, honey and a coastal freshness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is thick and oily, the wax coating the palate. The finish runs waxy, coastal and clean. This is Clynelish, the wax of the Sutherland coast.