Clynelish Distillery

Clynelish is a cult favourite among whisky enthusiasts for its distinctive waxy, almost candle-like character – a quality that comes from the distillery's unusually tall, narrow stills and the local Highland climate. The distillery sits in Brora, on the east coast of Sutherland, right on the North Coast 500 route. Next door stands the legendary Brora distillery, which has been reopened by Diageo.

History

The original Clynelish was founded in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford (later Duke of Sutherland). A new distillery was built on the adjacent site in 1967 and took the Clynelish name, while the original was briefly renamed Brora before closing in 1983. Brora's single malts have become some of the most valuable in the world, and the distillery was reopened in 2021.

The whisky

Waxy, maritime and complex with tropical fruit, beeswax and a coastal edge.

Signature expressions

• 14 Year Old
• Distillers Edition
• Special Releases (annual)

Visiting Clynelish

Open year-round with advance booking recommended. Tours cover the Clynelish production and often include background on the Brora story. The distillery is a natural stop on the NC500 route, about 1.5 hours north of Inverness.

Highlights

• Distinctive waxy character – a connoisseur's favourite
• Adjacent to the legendary Brora distillery
• On the North Coast 500 route
• Annual Special Releases are highly sought-after

Private whisky tours including Clynelish

We can include Clynelish in a private whisky tour with a dedicated driver-guide and luxury Mercedes vehicle. Pick-up from your hotel, airport or cruise port.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Clynelish Distillery?

Open year-round with advance booking recommended. Tours cover the Clynelish production and often include background on the Brora story. The distillery is a natural stop on the NC500 route, about 1.5 hours north of Inverness.

What whisky does Clynelish make?

Clynelish is a Highland single malt known for: 14 Year Old, Distillers Edition, Special Releases (annual). Waxy, maritime and complex with tropical fruit, beeswax and a coastal edge.

How do I get to Clynelish Distillery?

Clynelish Distillery is in Brora, Highland. We offer private whisky tours that include Clynelish with door-to-door transport from Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen in a luxury Mercedes vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide.