Clynelish 30 Years Old 1992 (SMWS 26.211)

The bottler Scotch Malt Whisky Society selected this Clynelish, a 30 year old, distilled in 1992, from cask 26.211, bottled at 45.9%, one of 207 bottles. Clynelish is a Highland single malt of waxy, coastal character from Brora in Sutherland. Water comes from the Clynemilton Burn, the spirit drawn off three wash and three spirit stills.

It was drawn off three wash and three spirit stills, for an oily, lemony make with a savoury edge. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the waxy character to the fore. Ethereal and old, decades draw the malt to a waxy, tropical delicacy of sotolon, beeswax and polished oak. Active wood frames the citrus without smothering the waxy texture. Most of its make goes to blending, with a fourteen year old the flagship single malt. The original Clynelish was founded in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford during the Highland Clearances.

At a full 45.9% it is bold yet waxy. A thick wax over orchard fruit and citrus, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft citrus and a honeyed wax sit behind the cask. The close is long, wax over a citrus lift. This is Clynelish's oily, coastal Highland style.