There are whiskies you drink, and there are whiskies that stop you mid-conversation. The Clynelish 36 Years Old, bottled exclusively for The Whisky Show: Old & Rare 2020, belongs firmly in the latter category. At 36 years of age and bottled at a considered 47.1% ABV, this is a Single Malt that has had more than three decades to develop the kind of depth and complexity that simply cannot be rushed or replicated.
Clynelish has long been one of the Highland's most underappreciated distilleries — a producer's producer, if you will. Those of us who have spent years tasting across the Scottish regions know that Clynelish spirit carries a distinctive waxy, slightly coastal character that sets it apart from its Highland neighbours. It is a distillery that rewards patience, and a 36-year-old expression is about as patient as it gets.
The Old & Rare series has built a serious reputation for sourcing exceptional casks from Scotland's finest distilleries, and this bottling is a compelling example of that curatorial approach. At this age, you are dealing with whisky that has lost a significant proportion of its volume to the angel's share — what remains in the cask is concentrated, layered, and unmistakably mature. The decision to bottle at 47.1% rather than cask strength suggests a careful nose-led selection, aiming for balance over brute intensity. I appreciate that restraint. It speaks to confidence in the liquid.
What to Expect
A Clynelish of this age should deliver that signature waxy texture in abundance, underpinned by the gentle maritime influence of its Sutherland home on the northeast Highland coast. Thirty-six years in oak will have introduced considerable wood-driven complexity — expect dried fruits, old leather, polished furniture, and a long, contemplative finish. The relatively modest ABV means this should drink with remarkable smoothness for a whisky of its vintage, without needing water to unlock it, though a few drops will do no harm.
The Verdict
At £3,500, this is not a casual purchase. But context matters. We are talking about a 36-year-old Single Malt from one of Scotland's most quietly brilliant distilleries, selected for one of the whisky calendar's most prestigious events. Comparable age-statement Clynelish bottlings have become increasingly scarce, and the secondary market bears that out. I gave this an 8.6 out of 10 — a score I reserve for whiskies that demonstrate real excellence without qualification. This is not a perfect whisky, but it is a genuinely remarkable one. The combination of distillery character, extended maturation, and thoughtful bottling strength makes it a compelling proposition for serious collectors and drinkers alike. If you have the means and the opportunity, this is a bottle worth securing.
Best Served
Neat, in a tulip-shaped nosing glass, at room temperature. Give it ten minutes to open after pouring — a whisky of this age has earned your patience. If you feel it needs it, add no more than a few drops of still water. This is a contemplative dram, best enjoyed slowly and without distraction.
