Thompson Bros.

Clynelish 8 Years Old Batch #2

ABV: 48% 70 cL

This single malt was distilled at Clynelish Distillery in Brora, on the north-east coast of Sutherland in the Highlands. Clynelish is celebrated for a spirit style all of its own – waxy, coastal and full of fruit, with a weight and texture that make it a favourite with whisky enthusiasts.

This is the second batch of Thompson Bros.' 8 year old Clynelish, bottled by the independent bottler just down the coast in Dornoch under a "Sutherland Single Malt" label. It was matured for its full 8 years in refill hogsheads, and the bottle carries label art by KMGYEAH.

Hogsheads are casks of around 250 litres, often rebuilt from American oak barrels. A refill hogshead has already held Scotch at least once before, so much of the oak's sweetness and colour has been drawn out. That gentler influence lets the character of the distillery come through clearly rather than being covered by wood.

With the casks staying in the background, this is very much a showcase for Clynelish's spirit. Thompson Bros. describe it as bright, zippy and wonderfully zesty, with a big, mouth-coating texture and the classic waxiness the distillery is loved for.

Aged 8 years and presented at natural cask strength of 48% ABV, natural colour and no chill filtration.

Nose

Bright, zippy, and wonderfully zesty. It kicks off with a sharp, vibrant burst of citrus - lemon zest, grapefruit peel, and a fresh squeeze of lime juice. Beneath the citrus punch lies a sweeter, weightier layer of Italian marzipan biscuits and rich, caramelised barley. A nice, clean fruitiness develops with Galia melon rind and very ripe pineapple, all pinned down by a classic Highland note of heavy canvas wax.

Palate

The zesty theme carries straight onto the palate with a big, mouth-coating arrival. There is plenty of citrus and grapefruit peel alongside an intriguing, slightly savoury, and coastal edge of green olives and sweet pineapple juice. The dram then shifts into more indulgent territory, bringing to mind a slice of sharp lemon meringue pie served with rich crème anglaise, before rounding out with the texture of beeswax candles and local honey.

Finish

Long, buttery, and satisfyingly creamy. The oiliness stays with you, leaving a lingering, warm trail of citrus oils, soft honey, and a final, comforting crunch of more caramelised barley.

£45.00

Tax included.

PRODUCT INFO

Region Highland
Distillery Clynelish
Cask type Refill Hogsheads
Bottling company Thompson Bros.
Whisky type Single Malt
Clynelish distillery logo

Clynelish sits on the coast at Brora in the north-east Highlands, founded in 1819 and modernised in 1967 beside the original site. It’s famous for producing a bright, waxy, coastal style of single malt — honeyed, lightly fruity, with a touch of sea breeze and gentle peat. That distinctive waxy texture makes it a favourite among whisky fans and an important component in high-end blends, while still standing out beautifully as a single malt in its own right.