Clynelish 23 Years Old 1995 Cask #11236 (Signatory)

A 23 year old Clynelish from the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, distilled in 1995, from cask 11236, bottled at 57.7%, one of 607 bottles. Clynelish is a coastal Highland distillery at Brora in Sutherland, famous for its waxy single malt. It is the heart malt of Johnnie Walker Gold Label, and a sought after single malt in its own right.

Worked through the tall stills for a citrussy, oily spirit, for the famous waxy texture at its heart. An Oloroso hogshead lent raisin and a savoury, nutty edge to the wax. Oxidative, evaporative ageing turns the malt deep and waxy, ethereal esters and a faint sotolon (maple). Active wood frames the citrus without smothering the waxy texture. Water comes from the Clynemilton Burn, the spirit drawn off three wash and three spirit stills. The cool, salt laden coastal air works into the maturing casks at Brora.

At a full 57.7% it is bold yet waxy. The famous wax over lemon and orange, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Orange, beeswax and a maritime salt fill the middle. A long, waxy finish carries an orange sweetness. This is Clynelish's oily, coastal Highland style.