Introduction to Clynelish
Clynelish is best remembered for one thing: waxiness. Its distinctive oily, waxy texture and combination of fruit, honey and coastal character make the spirit instantly recognisable and highly prized by blenders and whisky enthusiasts alike. It has an unusually intertwined history with neighbouring Brora, whose original distillery buildings stand alongside it.
A Brief History
Clynelish Distillery traces its origins to 1819. It's safe to say that the distillery had a troubled beginning before becoming a key component in the Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve.
The present distillery dates from 1967 and was originally opened next door to the original site as a sister distillery. The following year, the original plant was closed, then reopened in 1969 under the name Brora.
Moving into the 21st century, Diageo started to release a number of limited editions and a core range 14 Year Old joined the official range in 2002. The visitor experience was relaunched in 2021 as part of Johnnie Walker's Four Corners programme, putting Clynelish firmly on the map with malt enthusiasts, and its reputation has rapidly grown from there.
Expert Tip
Clynelish supplies Johnnie Walker blends and is particularly associated with Gold Label Reserve. Whisky production continues, but its visitor centre closed in 2026, ending the tourism operation previously promoted as one of Johnnie Walker's four regional homes.
Production Style of Clynelish Whisky
Wax! This would be the one-word description of the Clynelish Distillery. The distillery is known for its waxy characteristic, a style not often encountered and that has become a real cult favourite amongst whisky drinkers and single malt enthusiasts worldwide.
Production consists of clear worts and an 85 hour fermentation, interestingly with larger spirit stills than wash stills. The extra interaction of the copper helps to produce quite a medium bodied, fruity spirit, but it was the residues being built up in the feints and foreshots receiver, the distillery discovered, where this unique waxy quality comes from.
In 2025, the distillery operated a seven day week with 18 mashes weekly, producing around 4.8 million litres of alcohol.
It is also working hard to reduce its water consumption and carbon footprint with plans to connect to neighbouring distillery Brora's wood chip plant which would reduce reliance on fossil fuels by 40%.
Clynelish Distillery and Cask Ownership
The rarity of single casks of Clynelish making it on to the private market, paired with the fact that distillery is now well and truly established at the top table of single malt whisky, makes this an exciting cask purchase. Your exit options are also increased as there will certainly be a long line of independent bottlers wanting to purchase.
Fact File
Pronunciation: cline-leash
Status: Active
Founded: 1967
Owner: Diageo
Region: Northern Highlands
Visitor Centre: Currently closed
Capacity: 4,800,000 litres
