Clynelish 20 Years Old 1995 Cask #8683 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage bottled this Clynelish, a 20 year old, distilled in 1995, from cask 8683, bottled at 52.7%, one of 346 bottles. Clynelish is the coastal Highland malt whose waxiness has made it a cult favourite. Water comes from the Clynemilton Burn, the spirit drawn off three wash and three spirit stills.

The spirit was distilled for the waxy, oily spirit Clynelish is known for, building the cult Clynelish waxiness. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the waxy spirit. Through oxidative maturity esters concentrate, lemon turning to candied orange over a thick, oily wax. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the wax. Active wood frames the citrus without smothering the waxy texture. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the waxy, citrussy core over the years.

At its natural 52.7% it is concentrated. A thick wax over orchard fruit and citrus, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. It is waxy and citrussy, the oily spirit shining through. A long, oily finish ends on lemon and beeswax. This is an oily, maritime Highland single malt.