Clynelish 26 Years Old 1995 The Decades (TWE)

A Clynelish of a 26 year old chosen by The Whisky Exchange, distilled in 1995, bottled at 51.5%, one of 713 bottles. Clynelish is a waxy, citrussy Highland single malt from the village of Brora. 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, building the cult Clynelish waxiness. An Oloroso hogshead lent raisin and a savoury, nutty edge to the wax. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds waxy tropical fruit. The waxy, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while keeping its citrus and coast. Refill oak lets the famous Clynelish wax lead, lemon and honey beneath. A coastal maturation lends a faint brine to the waxy, oily spirit. Most of its make goes to blending, with a fourteen year old the flagship single malt.

At a full 51.5% it is bold yet waxy. 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 the cult waxy malt of Brora.