This single malt whisky is the only official core expression from the north Highland distillery of Clynelish (pronounced kline-leesh). Several other bottlings have appeared in the past as part of owner Diageo’s Special Releases series. There is also a distillery exclusive 16 Years Old. The reason – Clynelish plays an important role in Diageo’s estate and portfolio as it has long been a major ingredient in the Johnnie Walker range of blended whiskies.
This accounts for much of the production and explains the lack of regular bottlings. The fact is also reflected as Clynelish is one of four distilleries with specialised Johnnie Walker visitor centres in Diageo’s Four Corners of Scotland programme – Caol Ila on Islay, Cardhu in Speyside and Glenkinchie in the Lowlands are the others. All play important roles in the blended range of whiskies.
Clynelish distillery was built in 1967 in the north east coastal HIghland town of Brora. However, there has been a distillery in Brora since 1819. This was also called Clynelish and founded by the 1st Duke of Sutherland. The current distillery was built next to the old one and they operated simultaneously under the names Old Clynelish and New Clynelish until the older one was closed in 1983.
Now, any whisky produced at the new distillery is called Clynelish and anything that is still available from the old distillery goes under the name of Brora. This distillery has recently been renovated and has returned to production after nearly 40 years. It is now officially named as Brora. Both are owned by Diageo. Clynelish has an annual production capacity of 4.8 million litres and Brora produces 800,000 litres per year.
The Clynelish brand uses the Scottish wildcat as its logo. One of the last remaining habitats for the cats is situated close to the distillery. This 14 years old is bottled at 46% ABV and is available via specialist whisky retailers worldwide. A bottle should cost around £50.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is deep gold and the nose is fragrant, sweet and savoury. Aromas of heather honey, fudge and hard toffee sweets open up and are quickly joined by further aromas of bramble jam, mulling spices and sweet chilli jam. Hints of szechuan pepper, brazil nuts and roasted aubergine sit in the background, as does a whiff of gentle smoke and orange oil.
On the palate, this whisky is incredibly smooth. It feels creamy and velvety with a slightly oily and waxy feel. It coats the tastebuds. The heather honey from the nose is joined by some vanilla, crumbly brown sugar and a distinct hint of sweet tropical fruit – think of mango, papaya and a suggestion of coconut. The smokiness is there and has a soft and ashy vibe. Then come further notes of bitter orange marmalade and yeasty bread dough, plus a hint of waxy furniture polish and antique furniture. A final hit of that szechuan pepper comes through at the end.
The finish is long and enjoyable with the sweet elements marrying perfectly with the smoke and spice. The heathr honey is more like fresh honeycomb now and the tropical fruit really comes through now. This is reminiscent of dried mango and papaya. Hints of orange oil, cinnamon bar and clove draw things out well.
What’s The Verdict?
This is a very interesting and easy drinking whisky that would be ideal to introduce people to the lightly smoky whisky style. It mixes excellently with the other characteristics. The marriage of sweet, savoury and spice is excellent and it is easy to see why Clynelish 14 Years Old is a cult classic. The waxy and oily mouthfeel is also very enjoyable. This is a real crowd pleaser and definitely one to try. Absolutely superb.
