Clynelish 16 year old @ 50% alc.vol (US 100%
proof)
A stunning integration of peat smoke and sweetness of the
oak. Gentle ‘peat’ notes on the nose, confirm
marine influences. Toffee apples, lemon rind, passion fruit
and maple syrup. This fruity, slightly smoky Malt has merged
well with the aged oak. Beautifully complimented by the
soft fruits. Well developed.
Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2008
- 88 Points
Clean, surprisingly fresh barley for its age with a silver
or two of ginger, pine nut and diced, unripe yam. A real
juice ball of a malt with waves of salivating barley helped
along by big oaky spice. Remains a real spice fest. A busy
and quite joyous bottling.
Clynelish
Distillery - Area: Highlands
Status: Open
Originally founded 1819,
the Clynelish distillery is located on the far NE coast
of Scotland. It was re-named Brora in 1969. The Clynelish
name was adopted the new distillery built 1967 –
this went on to replace Brora as the village distillery
when it closed 1983. Clynelish is regarded as one of
the most powerful Highland malts. The whisky style has
a rich, salty earthiness – more akin to the Islands.
Although close proximity to the sea is often used to
explain– this argument is weakened as there are
other distilleries close to the sea having little, if
any coastal influences, ie Glenmorangie. Perhaps that
Clynelish is an exact replica of the Caol Ila distillery
on Islay has some substance to it. Held in high regard
by blenders, Clynelish is the dominant malt of Johnnie
Walker Gold Label. Any hint of peat originates in the
Spring water from the Clynemilton burn, as the malted
barley used is unpeated. The Clynelish style is a fruity,
slightly smoky Single Malt.
Becoming Rare, limited supply. 
