I’m down to the final, official sample for my group’s 5th round of distillery samples. This is the Clynelish 14 year old. This is a Highland distillery and it is the primary malt used by Johnnie Walker and now Compass Box blends. It originally opened in 1819 and closed in 1967. FUN FACT: When it reopened in 1969, it was primarily used to make heavily peated malts during a devastating drought on Islay to feed the world’s need for peated whisky. This lasted for almost 4 years. Then it became the official replacement distillery for the then closed Brora. Cool story and heritage. This 14yo is matured in ex-bourbon casks, is bottled at 46% and is a beautiful golden, copper in the tasting glass. It looks really oily and makes some quick running legs when it’s swirled up. The nose is mostly floral with a nice dose of honey sweetness, candle wax and little to no oak barrel. There’s a light peatiness that wafts in from time to time if you wait out an extended nosing. The palate is hotter than expected, even at 46%, with a decent hit of cinnamon up front. The waxiness comes in again mingling with green apples and bits of citrus zestiness. The finish is medium length, oily with cinnamon and the first bits of oak I was able to detect. An underlying, earthy peat hangs around, too. It’s a quality dram from start to finish. I can see why Johnnie Walker and Compass Box use this heavily in their base. It makes for a solid foundation, even as its own single malt. Thanks to my friend @Scott_E for supplying this one for the group. I saved it for last on purpose and while it’s nothing earth shattering, it’s the definition of a scotch standard. Bottle prices are reasonable, as well. Buy with confidence, especially if you are just beginning an exploration of scotch whisky. This is a wonderful place to start. 4 solid stars. Cheers.