Clynelish Distillery is located in the Highland Region of Scotland. The original Old Clynelish distillery was built in 1819, but in 1969, it changed its name to Brora. A new Clynelish distillery was built in 1968 opposite the old one.
Clynelish (pronounced “Cline-Leash,” meaning “slope of the garden”) was established when the original Clynelish distillery (built in 1819 in the town of Brora in the far Northern Highlands, near the eastern coast) could not produce enough malt to meet demand. A newer and larger facility was built next door in 1967.
During a period in the late 1960s and early 1970s, both distilleries operated simultaneously, known as Clynelish 1 and 2. Eventually, the original site was renamed Brora, and it began producing more heavily peated scotch.
Brora produced heavily peated whisky from 1969 – 1973 for blending purposes, helping to cover a shortage of Islay whisky caused by a drought. The Brora distillery, which today has achieved cult status among whisky enthusiasts, was closed down in 1983 during the industry slump.
Today the majority of Clynelish production goes into Johnnie Walker blends, particularly the Gold Label Reserve. Fortunately for single malt lovers, Diageo continues to release the 14-year-old official bottling.
Tasting Notes
The whisky has a straw to light gold color.
Nose
On the nose, Clynelish 14 offers apples and pears before the characteristic waxy notes appear. There are some gravel and other mineral notes, gorse, and a very mild mustardy edge that is not uncommon in Highland whiskies. Heathery notes, lemons, just enough vanilla, ginger, and orange peel combine to create a fresh, complex, and distinctive aroma.
Sweet tangerines and zesty drops of lemon provide a light and fresh character. Gentle smoke is present, though so subtle it’s very hard to detect. Water and time in the glass bring out nice floral notes.
The nose reveals honey and vanilla upfront with a strong pear and apple juice backbone, along with a vaguely savory undercurrent. Pineapple cake and cantaloupe with a hint of clove can also be detected.
Palate
The palate is rich, oily, and oddly waxy. There’s a cornucopia of desserts and sweet-tart fruit flavors; cake-like vanilla and caramel tones; butterscotch, pear, and white grape juice.
An interesting mix of oranges and ginger creates a bit of spiciness. Crispy and nutty malt with perfectly smooth vanilla dominates. Adding drops of water can make the taste bitter and add nutmeg notes.
Some reviewers note an initial burn that opens up to a world of spiciness including pepper, coriander, and what some describe as “mustardy.” There’s also a lightly phenolic flavor from the peat and smoke, just enough to make you smile, along with a briny saltiness that appears at the end.
On the front, you might taste apricot, orange citrus, and caramel. The middle offers smoked apples and pear, while the back presents smoky malt, toffee, and a bit of brine.
The mouthfeel provides a nice waxy/creamy texture, mixed with nutty notes, briny touches, and a sweet toffee edge, accompanied by orchard fruits and lemons.
Finish
The finish is notably long and sweet, not pulling back from the slightly spicy and salty flavors from the palate, which linger and slowly fade.
A hint of smoke dances across oak, brine, lemon zest, milk chocolate, and pepper from a medium-length finish.
Bitter fruity citrus notes characterize the finish.
Some tasters note a honey finish with a trace of brine.
Final Thoughts
Clynelish 14 is described by some enthusiasts as a chameleon-like whisky, shifting seamlessly from briny and smoky to soft and sweet to fruity and sour, with transitions between these personalities being seamless and creating a cohesive experience.
What makes Clynelish stand out is its distinctive waxy notes, which contribute to a fabulous flavor profile in this coastal and lightly peaty single malt.
Clynelish 14 is considered one of the best entry-level proprietary bottlings available from any distillery. It offers a delightfully complex spicy and perfumed profile with multi-layered character.
While Clynelish isn’t going to blow your mind with extreme flavors, it’s highly enjoyable and approachable – perhaps too much so, as many reviewers note emptying their glass before they even realize it. There’s very little peat to fear, and it lacks any astringent qualities, making it a good scotch for both newcomers and experienced drinkers alike.