Clynelish 32 Years Old 1990 Cask #3477 (LMDW)

From the Paris house La Maison du Whisky, a 32 year old Clynelish, distilled in 1990, from cask 3477, bottled at 47.7%, one of 137 bottles. Clynelish, built in 1967 beside the old Brora distillery, is known for its signature waxy texture. Two old Brora warehouses still stand on the site, a link to its silent neighbour.

It was drawn off three wash and three spirit stills, giving the oily, candle wax character Clynelish is prized for. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla over the oily spirit. In its ethereal years the malt is profoundly waxy and oxidative, faded esters and a touch of sotolon (maple, spice). Long ageing turns the fresh lemon towards candied orange, beeswax and tropical fruit. Refill oak lets the famous Clynelish wax lead, lemon and honey beneath. The distillery was built in 1967 next to the original Clynelish of 1819, which was renamed Brora and later closed.

At a natural 47.7% it is full and oily. Waxy honey, lemon and a savoury edge, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run candle wax, lemon and a coastal salt. The close is long, wax over a citrus lift. This is an oily, maritime Highland single malt.