Clynelish 32 Years Old 1990 Cask #3474 + 3475 (Signatory)

From the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, a 32 year old Clynelish, distilled in 1990, from cask 3474 + 3475, bottled at 45.7%, one of 254 bottles. Clynelish is a coastal Highland distillery at Brora in Sutherland, famous for its waxy single malt. Clynelish is unpeated, its character built on texture, citrus and coast rather than smoke.

Drawn off three wash and three spirit stills, for an oily, lemony make with a savoury edge. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla over the oily spirit. At a great, fragile age oxidation rules, sotolon lending maple and old oak as beeswax and a coastal salt linger. The cool, salt laden coastal air works into the maturing casks at Brora. The original Clynelish was founded in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford during the Highland Clearances. The oily, waxy texture is the signature that blenders prize above all. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the waxy, citrussy core over the years.

At cask strength 45.7% it is full bodied. Beeswax, honey and a coastal freshness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is thick and oily, the wax coating the palate. The finish is deep, waxy and maritime. This is the cult waxy malt of Brora.