Clynelish

Clynelish stands near the village of Brora in Sutherland, on the north-east coast of the Scottish Highlands. The original distillery was founded in 1819, and a new, larger distillery was built next to it in 1967. Both ran side by side for a time before the old site closed.

The old distillery was reopened in May 1969 under the name Brora, mainly to make peated spirit for Johnnie Walker blends, and ran until July 1983. Brora has since become one of the most sought-after names in Scotch whisky.

The current Clynelish distillery, owned by Diageo, has three wash stills and three spirit stills. Its malt is known for a slightly waxy texture with a touch of salinity, and it forms the backbone of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve.