Clynelish 14 Years
For a long time, Clynelish produced almost exclusively for blends, among others for Johnnie Walker. Meanwhile, a 14 and a 16 years bottling are offered. We take a look at what the younger of the two has to offer.The distillery run under the name Clynelish is actually still comparatively young. Clynelish was founded by the Duke of Sutherland in 1819 and was to be replaced by a new building in 1967. For a short time, Clynelish A (1819) and Clynelish B (1967) existed in parallel, with Clynelish A being renamed Brora after a short break in operations and the newer Clynelish B now being called Clynelish.
Tasting Notes
Nose
"I smell spring and there's a horse stable in there" was Marcel's first statement. And indeed. We perceive strong hay-like and flowery smells. Definitely a floral environment. There is also a bit of sugar.
Palate
It tastes quite different from what it smells like. The path perceived in the nose through the flower meadow led directly to the beach. Oily-soft but still light, we taste sea salt, think of shells by the sea. Light citrus fruits can be found in the sand dune. Impressive and unexpected.
Finish
The finish is unfortunately only a short sea breeze. A little sweetish, but still dominantly salty.
Thoughts
Marcel 78/100
This Clynelish 14 surprises with an unusual combination of floral freshness and salty sea air – a whisky that promises more adventure than you might expect at first glance. While I miss the classic scent of oak wood, that’s exactly what makes it exciting and lively. A true drinking pleasure for anyone eager to discover something new.
Sascha 80/100
The Clynelish 14 presents an interesting balance between floral notes and a surprisingly salty, maritime element that gives the palate complexity and structure. However, the finish feels a bit short and could benefit from more persistence, which slightly detracts from the otherwise precise harmony. Overall, a very solid Highland whisky with a distinctive profile and fine aromatic character.
Value for Money: Good
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76/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Clynelish 14-years whisky smell of hay and flowers but taste salty and maritime?
The Clynelish 14-years combines floral and hay-like notes on the nose, reminiscent of a spring meadow. On the palate, maritime aromas such as sea salt and a light citrus freshness dominate, which is due to the distillery’s proximity to the coast and the maturation in specific casks.
How does the Clynelish 14-years differ from older releases like the 16-years version?
The 14-years Clynelish is somewhat fresher and lighter with more pronounced floral and salty notes, whereas the 16-years version is often fuller-bodied and more complex, with greater depth and a longer finish. The maturation period thus influences both the flavor and texture.
What is the history behind the Clynelish distillery and its connection to Brora?
Clynelish was founded in 1819 and replaced by a new building in 1967. During a transitional period, two distilleries existed: Clynelish A (the older one) and Clynelish B (the new one). After a pause, Clynelish A was renamed Brora, becoming an independent distillery with its own character, while the newer distillery continued operating under the name Clynelish.