Clynelish 2004 MaSa Expression (Masam)

This Clynelish was bottled by the bottler Masam, a 14 year old, distilled in 2004, from cask 800101, bottled at 54%, one of 340 bottles. Clynelish is the waxy, maritime Highland single malt at the heart of Johnnie Walker Gold. The original Clynelish was founded in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford during the Highland Clearances.

The spirit was distilled for the waxy, oily spirit Clynelish is known for, giving the oily, candle wax character Clynelish is prized for. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the wax. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin settling into vanilla as ethyl esters lend a riper citrus over the wax. Clynelish wax and a maritime salt run through the maturing spirit. Refill oak lets the famous Clynelish wax lead, lemon and honey beneath. Clynelish is unpeated, its character built on texture, citrus and coast rather than smoke.

At 54%, undiluted, it is deep and waxy. An oily wax with citrus and brine, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A lemon, a brine and a thick wax lift it. The finish is deep, waxy and maritime. This is Clynelish's oily, coastal Highland style.