Clynelish 19 Years Old 1996 Cask #6399 + 6400 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage bottled this Clynelish, a 19 year old, distilled in 1996, from cask 6399 + 6400, bottled at 46%. Clynelish, on the Sutherland coast, makes one of the most distinctive textures in Scotch, its famous wax. The famous wax is said to come from the build up in the distillery's feints receivers.

Made in copper stills for a coastal, waxy make, for an oily, lemony make with a savoury edge. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the soft oak letting the waxy citrus lead. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (orange and pineapple) over the deepening wax. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the waxy, citrussy core over the years. Clynelish sits on the North Sea coast at Brora, in the far north east of the Highlands. It is the heart malt of Johnnie Walker Gold Label, and a sought after single malt in its own right. The cool, salt laden coastal air works into the maturing casks at Brora.

Bottled at 46%, it is rounded. An oily wax with citrus and brine, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A beeswax and a savoury edge give it depth. The finish is deep, waxy and maritime. This is Clynelish's oily, coastal Highland style.