Spirits · Brora, Scotland

Clynelish Distillery

A coastal Highland distillery prized for its rare waxy, citrusy single malt.

Founded: 1819
Founded by: Marquess of Stafford (later the first Duke of Sutherland)
Based in: Brora, Scotland

Shop all Clynelish Distillery (1)Our featured pick

Making it since

1819

Their story

Clynelish stands outside the village of Brora on Scotland's northeast coast. It was founded in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford, later the first Duke of Sutherland, as one of the estate's business ventures, staffed by tenant farmers who had been moved off the land during the Highland Clearances.

In the late 1960s a new six-still distillery was built next door. The original site was renamed Brora and made heavily peated whisky for blending until it closed in 1983, after which it became a cult name among collectors. Brora has since been rebuilt and brought back to life by Diageo, which has owned Clynelish since 1997.

How it's made

Clynelish runs six stills, with spirit stills larger than the wash stills. Its signature waxy texture first came from oily residue that built up in the feints receiver, and the distillery now keeps that residue on purpose rather than cleaning it all away. The mature whisky is mouth-coating, with citrus and sometimes a light mineral note.

Our featured pick

14yr Highland Single Malt Scotch (750ML)

$115.00

A top-quality rich, coastal and peaty single malt. Boasts fabulous flavor.

Full product details

Shop Clynelish Distillery

1 in stock

14yr Highland Single Malt Scotch (750ML)
$115.00

Why we carry them

Clynelish is one of our favorite answers when someone wants a Highland malt that tastes different from the rest. The 14 year old is a good introduction to that waxy, coastal style.