Clynelish 22 Years Old 1990 Cask #93781 / 93783 (Ian Macleod)

The bottler Ian Macleod selected this Clynelish, a 22 year old, distilled in 1990, from cask 93781 / 93783, bottled at 46%, one of 798 bottles. 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.

It was distilled for the waxy, oily spirit Clynelish is known for, giving the oily, candle wax character Clynelish is prized for. A wine cask finish layered red fruit over the waxy citrus. Oxidative, evaporative ageing turns the malt deep and waxy, ethereal esters and a faint sotolon (maple). The cool, salt laden coastal air works into the maturing casks at Brora. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the waxy, citrussy core over the years. The wax sits at the heart of the spirit, the cask building fruit and honey around it.

At 46% it is soft and waxy. An oily wax with citrus and brine, with plum and red berry from the cask. A lemon, a brine and a thick wax lift it. Citrus, wax and a faint brine see out the finish. This is a coastal Highland single malt of rare texture.