Clynelish 17 Years Old 1996 Cask #8800 (Whisky Import Nederland)

The bottler Whisky Import Nederland bottled this Clynelish, a 17 year old, distilled in 1996, from cask 8800, bottled at 54%, one of 253 bottles. Clynelish is the coastal Highland malt whose waxiness has made it a cult favourite. Two old Brora warehouses still stand on the site, a link to its silent neighbour.

It was run through copper stills on Clynemilton Burn water, building the cult Clynelish waxiness. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the waxy spirit. At oxidative maturity vanillin and lactones are fully expressed, the wax and citrus at their best. Active wood frames the citrus without smothering the waxy texture. Refill oak lets the famous Clynelish wax lead, lemon and honey beneath. The famous wax is said to come from the build up in the distillery's feints receivers. Clynelish wax and a maritime salt run through the maturing spirit.

At a hearty 54% it carries real weight. Waxy honey, lemon and a savoury edge, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. The texture is thick and oily, the wax coating the palate. The finish runs waxy, coastal and clean. This is the cult waxy malt of Brora.