Clynelish 38 Years Old 1972 Cask #430341 (Speciality Drinks Ltd)

A Clynelish of a 38 year old chosen by the bottler Speciality Drinks Ltd, distilled in 1972, from cask 430341, bottled at 42.1%, one of 439 bottles. Clynelish, built in 1967 beside the old Brora distillery, is known for its signature waxy texture. A coastal maturation lends a faint brine to the waxy, oily spirit.

Made in copper stills for a coastal, waxy make, building the cult Clynelish waxiness. A bourbon barrel held it, vanilla and a little coconut under the wax. In its ethereal years the malt is profoundly waxy and oxidative, faded esters and a touch of sotolon (maple, spice). Clynelish wax and a maritime salt run through the maturing spirit. Most of its make goes to blending, with a fourteen year old the flagship single malt. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the wax. Clynelish is unpeated, its character built on texture, citrus and coast rather than smoke.

Bottled at a cask strength 42.1%, it is rich. 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 finish is long, waxy and citrussy. This is an oily, maritime Highland single malt.