Clynelish 33 Years Old 1973 Cask #8915 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage bottled this Clynelish, a 33 year old, distilled in 1973, from cask 8915, bottled at 54.5%, one of 399 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 the famous waxy texture at its heart. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the wax. Ethereal and old, decades draw the malt to a waxy, tropical delicacy of sotolon, beeswax and polished oak. Years in oak round the spirit, the citrus deepening to orange and tropical fruit. Clynelish wax and a maritime salt run through the maturing spirit. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the waxy, citrussy core over the years. Active wood frames the citrus without smothering the waxy texture.

At cask strength 54.5% it is full bodied. Candle wax, tangerine and a maritime lift, 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 the waxy heart of Johnnie Walker Gold.