Clynelish 8 Years Old 1990 Cask #1015 / 1016 (Samaroli)

This Clynelish was bottled by the bottler Samaroli, an 8 year old, distilled in 1990, from cask 1015 / 1016, bottled at 59%, one of 492 bottles. Clynelish is a coastal Highland distillery at Brora in Sutherland, famous for its waxy single malt. The original Clynelish was founded in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford during the Highland Clearances.

The spirit was distilled from unpeated malt in the distillery's tall stills, for a maritime spirit with a beeswax richness. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the wax. At an extractive age eugenol lends a clove note and lactones a coconut, the wax and citrus fresh and lively. The cool, salt laden coastal air works into the maturing casks at Brora. Clynelish is unpeated, its character built on texture, citrus and coast rather than smoke. The oily, waxy texture is the signature that blenders prize above all.

At a hearty 59% it carries real weight. The famous wax over lemon and orange, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is waxy and citrussy, the oily spirit shining through. It finishes oily, waxy and bright. This is the cult waxy malt of Brora.