Clynelish 14 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

Clynelish 14 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

Clynelish 14 Year Old Single Malt Whisky is a superb example of what Clynelish can produce. It offers sweet floral fragrances The balance is sublime and the mouthfeel is perfectly rounded with maritime flavours and a light, dry finish. A great 14 year old Highland malt, quite coastal too.

You can almost taste the coastal flora in Clynelish Single Malt Scotch Whisky, with its crisp, medium- bodied, mustard-fresh style. Although you won’t find Islay’s powerful smokiness here, there is just a trace of it lingering. It’s said Clynelish whisky is closer to an Island style than other mainland malts, with a complex and fragrant nose and an agreeable long finish that leaves a lingering fresh-fruity flavour. Not a heavyweight, it is yet deliciously drinkable, and perfect as an aperitif.

Clynelish was built in 1819 by the 1st Duke of Sutherland at a cost of £750. By the end of the century the demand for its whisky was such that no trade orders were accepted. This led to the distillery being purchased by Ainslie & Co., blenders from Leith, who increased capacity.

By 1930 the distillery was owned by Scottish Malt Distillers. During the 2nd World War production was halted but recommenced in 1945 and continued until 1967. With the installation of electricity a new larger distillery was built next to the old one, with 3 pairs of stills as opposed to one. The new distillery assumed the Clynelish name. This was not the end for the old distillery. It was renamed Brora and production recommenced in 1969 and continued until 1983 when it closed.

Clynelish is an anglicised version of the Gaelic for green pasture. And, though it’s a coastal whisky, this is fitting for a Scotch with sweet floral fragrances and verdant flavour notes. It’s a name with a long history, one that predates the distillery we know today, but which has adorned the labels of whisky bottles for two hundred years.

Clynelish Malt

Clynelish 14 Year Old Single Malt Whisky - Hay Wines