• Founded: 1967
• Status: Operational
• Region: Highlands, Scotland – Brora, Sutherland KW9 6LR +44(0)1408 623003
• Online: https://www.malts.com/en-row/distilleries/clynelish/

Image courtesy of Master of Malt

History The distillery was built in 1968, adjacent to the original Clynelish distillery which was closed. Confusingly the original distillery was reopened in May 1969 and until July 1973 produced a heavily peated whisky to supply for blending; this was done to cover a shortage of Islay whisky caused by a drought on the island. The old distillery was renamed Brora Distillery and production of a peated spirit continued up until 1983. Clynelish has had a strong connection with Johnnie Walker blended whisky for many years. A large proportion of the spirit used in Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve comes from this distillery.

The Whiskyphiles tasting notes

Official Bottling

• Clynelish 14 Years Old (46%, OB, 2017)
• Clynelish 1997 Distillers Edition (46%, OB, Cl-Br: 174-6k, 2011)
• Clynelish Distillery Exclusive Bottling (48%, OB, Bourbon Casks, 6000 Bottles, 2017)
• House Tyrell Clynelish Reserve (51.2%, OB, 2019)

Independent Bottling

Cadenhead

• Clynelish 21 Years Old 1992 Small Batch (51.6%, Cadenheads, Bourbon HHs, 792 Bottles, 2013)

Gordon & MacPhail

• Clynelish 28 Years Old 1989 Connoisseurs Choice (49.3%, Gordon & MacPhail, Refill HH #8204, 221 Bottles, 2018)

Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• Clynelish 10 Years Old 2003 26.96 Le Trou Normand (61.4%, SMWs, 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel, 233 Bottles, 2014)

Signatory

• Clynelish 14 Years Old 1998 Vintage Collection (43%, Signatory, HHs #2460 & 2461, 821 Bottles, 2012)
• Clynelish 20 Years Old 1995 Cask Strength Collection (53.2%, Signatory, Refill Sherry Butt #8636, 626 Bottles, 2016)