Everything you need to know about Clynelish Distillery

A brief History

Clynelish, Highlands Region, Scotland. Founded in 1819

Waxy, Coastal, and Just a Bit Mysterious

There’s something quietly iconic about Clynelish. Tucked away in the small town of Brora on Scotland’s northeast coast, this Highland distillery has become a bit of a cult classic. It’s not always shouted about, but for those who know, it’s a whisky with real charm — that rare mix of old-school structure and modern polish.

Clynelish’s story goes back to 1819, when the Duke of Sutherland founded the original distillery to give local barley farmers a legal outlet and (probably not-so-coincidentally) stamp out illegal stills in the area. The original site eventually gave way to a newer distillery built just across the road in 1967 — that’s the Clynelish we know today. The old building didn’t sit empty for long either… it became the now-revered Brora Distillery for a brief and smoky chapter.

What makes Clynelish so special? It’s the waxy, slightly oily texture. The sea air freshness. That citrus kick that zips through every sip. If you like your single malts crisp but rich, coastal yet comforting, Clynelish might just be your perfect match.

Explore All Highlands Whisky

Taste Profile


Fruity	Oaky / Woody	Briny / Maritime

Clynelish is renowned for its clean, elegant Highland single malts with a twist — a natural waxy texture that sets it apart. The distillery uses traditional worm tubs and lightly peated malt, resulting in a spirit that’s both structured and soft, with a crisp minerality underneath.

Clynelish is renowned for its rich, complex, and full-bodied single malt whiskies. The distillery is particularly famous for its waxy, oily texture and subtle coastal freshness. Key flavour characteristics include:

Zesty lemon peel and green apple
Biscuit-y malt and light toast
A honeyed note on the mid-palate
Briny undertones and a slightly salty finish

Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients

	Citrus (Lemon Zest)
	Honey
	Malt / Biscuit / Toast
	Brine / Sea Salt

Popular Bottles of Clynelish

Bottling	Type / ABV	Flavour Highlights
Clynelish 14 Year Old	43%	Waxy, citrusy, with soft spice and maritime freshness
Clynelish Distillers Edition	Finished in Oloroso	Richer, darker fruits and a spicy, sherried edge
Clynelish 2022 Special Release	Cask Strength	Concentrated citrus, beeswax, earthy oak, and sea salt
Clynelish Distillery Exclusive	Varies	Distillery-only single cask – usually higher proof & complex

Game Of Thrones Whisky Clynelish House Tyrell

The Distillery

Clyneish Distillery 
Clynelish Rd, Brora KW9 6LR, Scotland

Open in maps

Clynelish Distillery

01408 623000

Visitor Information

Address: Clynelish Distillery, Brora, Sutherland, KW9 6LR, Scotland
Telephone: 01408 623000
Opening Times: Open daily, typically 10:00 – 17:00. Tours run throughout the day. Booking ahead is a good idea, especially in summer.

Visitors can expect a sleek, modern visitor centre (redesigned not long ago) with tasting rooms that overlook the rugged Highland coast. You’ll get a dram or two and, if you're lucky, a wee look inside the stillhouse. There's also a gift shop for limited bottlings.

Ownership and History

Current Owner:

Diageo (since the late 1990s)

Previous Owners:

United Distillers
Distillers Company Ltd (DCL)
George Lawson & Sons (mid-1800s)
Originally built under the Duke of Sutherland in 1819

Historical Fun Fact:

The old Clynelish distillery site became Brora in 1969, during a short-lived period of heavily peated production. Brora shut in 1983 and was only revived decades later — making old Brora bottles absolute unicorns in the whisky world.

Distillery Facts

Location: Situated in Brora, Sutherland, in the northern Highlands of Scotland.
Founded: The original distillery was established in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford (later the Duke of Sutherland).
Current Distillery: The modern Clynelish facility was built in 1967, directly across from the original site.
Brora Distillery: The original distillery site became known as Brora Distillery and operated intermittently until it was mothballed in 1983; it reopened in 2021.
Ownership: Owned by Diageo, one of the world’s largest spirits companies.
Water Source: Uses water from the Clynemilton Burn.
Still Setup: Features 3 wash stills and 3 spirit stills.
Production Style: Known for producing a waxy, textured spirit with a subtle coastal and lightly peated character.
Signature Whisky: Clynelish 14 Year Old – a well-regarded single malt with fruity, waxy, and spicy notes.
Blend Role: A key component in the Johnnie Walker Gold Label blend due to its rich texture.
Tourism: Offers guided distillery tours and tastings; part of Diageo’s "Four Corners of Scotland" for the Johnnie Walker experience.