🥃 Clynelish

Clynelish is a distillery and single malt Scotch whisky brand near Brora, in the north-east Highlands. The first distillery was founded in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford, and a new one was built opposite it in the late 1960s. It is owned by Diageo, and the style is described as waxy and coastal. The neighbouring Brora is a separate distillery.

History. The original distillery gave local tenants a market for their barley. The modern one was built across the road from the old one, and sources disagree on the opening year: 1967, 1968 or 1969. The old distillery was renamed Brora, closed, and returned to production in 2021. Clynelish long served as a bulk malt for blends, including Johnnie Walker; Malts.com names it as one of the "four corners" of that brand.

How it is made. Water comes from the Clynemilton Burn, and the barley from northern Highlands. Difford's Guide describes the taste as light, with a salty island note and wax; the 14-year-old has 46% ABV. On the nose it is waxy, and on the palate very fruity, with clove and orange peel. Malts.com notes that the distillery is closed to visitors.

Range. The main release is a 14-year-old at 46% ABV. There are other official bottlings, as well as independent bottlings, for example from Signatory, which may have a completely different age and strength.

Why it matters to you. Do not confuse Clynelish with Brora: they are different distilleries, even though they are neighbours. Independent bottlings can have a different strength. The age on the label is the age of the youngest whisky in the blend. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.