Clynelish Distillery, located near Brora in the Highlands of Scotland, has a rich and layered history intertwined with the development of Scotch whisky. Here’s a detailed look at its history:

Early History

• Founding (1819): Clynelish Distillery was established in 1819 by the Marquis of Stafford, later the Duke of Sutherland. It was built to provide employment for local people and to utilise the surplus grain produced on the Duke's extensive estates. The distillery was sited in Brora, close to the village's sources of freshwater.
• Early Operations: Clynelish quickly established a reputation for producing high-quality whisky, which was mostly sold to private clients and local businesses. The distillery's output was prized for its distinctive, peaty character.

19th and Early 20th Century Developments

• Ownership Changes: Over the 19th and early 20th centuries, Clynelish changed hands several times. In 1896, it was leased by the blending company James Ainslie & Heilbron. It was later acquired by Distillers Company Limited (DCL) in 1912.
• Temporary Closure and Reopening: Clynelish was closed for a short period in the 1930s due to the economic downturn and Prohibition in the United States, but it reopened and resumed production in 1939.

Mid-20th Century Changes

• Clynelish A and B (1967): In 1967, DCL built a new distillery adjacent to the old one to increase production capacity. The new distillery was named Clynelish, while the old distillery was initially mothballed. However, due to a drought affecting peat supply in Islay, the old distillery was reopened in 1969 to produce heavily peated whisky to fill the gap. This reopened facility was eventually renamed Brora Distillery in 1975.
• Brora Distillery (1969-1983): Brora produced heavily peated whisky until 1983 when it was permanently closed. Whiskies from Brora are now highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs, often fetching high prices at auctions.

Modern Era

• Diageo Era (1986-Present): Clynelish, now part of Diageo, one of the world's largest drinks companies, continued to produce high-quality whisky. Diageo invested in the distillery to ensure it could meet the growing global demand for single malt Scotch whisky.
• Single Malt Focus: From the late 20th century onwards, Clynelish became increasingly recognized for its single malt whisky, known for its waxy, fruity, and slightly coastal character. This has become a favourite among whisky enthusiasts.

Recent Developments

• Expansion and Modernisation (2014): In 2014, Diageo announced a significant investment in Clynelish as part of a broader initiative to expand its Scotch whisky production. This included upgrades to the distillery's facilities and visitor experience, enhancing its capacity and sustainability.
• Visitor Center: The distillery has developed a comprehensive visitor centre, offering tours and tastings that showcase its rich history and the unique characteristics of Clynelish whisky. This has made it a popular destination for whisky tourists.

Present Day

• Product Range: Today, Clynelish is renowned for its single malt expressions, including the popular Clynelish 14-Year-Old and various limited editions. The distillery’s whisky is also a key component in several premium blends, including Johnnie Walker.
• Reputation and Legacy: Clynelish is celebrated for its distinctive waxy mouthfeel and complex flavour profile, often described as having notes of honey, citrus, and a subtle coastal influence. Its reputation for quality and consistency has solidified its place in the Scotch whisky pantheon.

Clynelish Distillery’s history is one of resilience, adaptation, and continuous pursuit of excellence. From its early days serving the local community to its current status as a globally recognized producer of fine single malt whisky, Clynelish has maintained a commitment to quality that continues to win it acclaim among whisky lovers worldwide.