Clynelish 16 Years Old UD (UD – bottler)

This Clynelish was bottled by the bottler UD - bottler, a 16 year old, bottled at 46%. Clynelish, on the Sutherland coast, makes one of the most distinctive textures in Scotch, its famous wax. Most of its make goes to blending, with a fourteen year old the flagship single malt.

It was worked through the tall stills for a citrussy, oily spirit, for an oily, lemony make with a savoury edge. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the waxy character to the fore. At oxidative maturity vanillin and lactones are fully expressed, the wax and citrus at their best. Years in oak round the spirit, the citrus deepening to orange and tropical fruit. Active wood frames the citrus without smothering the waxy texture. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the wax. Clynelish is unpeated, its character built on texture, citrus and coast rather than smoke. The famous wax is said to come from the build up in the distillery's feints receivers.

Bottled at 46%, it is rounded. Beeswax, honey and a coastal freshness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A beeswax and a savoury edge give it depth. The finish is long, waxy and citrussy. This is a waxy, citrussy Highland single malt.