Signatory Vintage Clynelish 1990 31 Year Old Cask #3687 First-Fill Bourbon Barrel Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 750ml

Clynelish is a Highland distillery in Brora, Sutherland, on Scotland’s north-east coast, and one of the most admired in Scotch whisky for its “waxy” character: a distinctive, oily, fruity, lightly coastal malt that whisky enthusiasts prize, and that is rarely bottled in older ages by its owner. The current distillery was built in 1967 beside the original, which was reopened as Brora in 1969 and ran until 1983, a connection that gives Clynelish a cult following. Independent bottlers such as Signatory Vintage, the Edinburgh family firm, are among the few places to find single-cask older Clynelish.

This is a single cask, #3687, distilled in 1990 and matured for 31 years in a first-fill bourbon barrel, bottled in 2022 as part of Signatory’s Cask Strength Collection at its natural strength of 43.7% ABV (87.4 proof), without added colour. Only 103 bottles were produced. A first-fill barrel, one that held bourbon only once before, gives up more flavor than a refill, typically more vanilla and sweetness, but after 31 years the spirit’s waxy core is still at the center. The strength is gentler than most “cask strength” whiskies because the barrel had naturally reduced in alcohol over three decades.

A retailer’s description of the Clynelish 1990 31 Year profile: “The nose greets you with delicate aromas of waxy fruit, honeycomb, and floral notes, accompanied by hints of fresh citrus and coastal brine. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious blend of rich malt, vanilla, and soft oak, with layers of dried fruits, toffee, and subtle spice. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a refined, slightly mineral character with a gentle warmth.” Whiskybase tasters tag the sibling casks of this release with honey, citrus, waxy and oily textures, dried and fresh fruit, vanilla, and some hay, coal-gas, and mossy character, typical of old Clynelish. No professional reviews have been published for this release, and cask #3687’s notes may differ from its siblings.

It’s a collector’s bottle: a 31-year-old Clynelish from a 103-bottle single cask, best enjoyed slowly and neat, without water. A customer should expect a delicate, elegant dram, not a powerful one.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Signatory Vintage Clynelish 1990 31 Year Old is bottled by Signatory Vintage (Cask Strength Collection) from Clynelish Distillery in Brora, Sutherland, Scotland. Single cask #3687: distilled 1990, matured 31 years in a first-fill bourbon barrel, bottled 2022 at natural strength, 43.7% ABV / 87.4 proof, natural colour. 103 bottles. 750ml.

Critics Reviews

No professional critic reviews were found for this release.

Retailer description (general profile for the Clynelish 1990 31 Year release):
“The nose greets you with delicate aromas of waxy fruit, honeycomb, and floral notes, accompanied by hints of fresh citrus and coastal brine. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious blend of rich malt, vanilla, and soft oak, with layers of dried fruits, toffee, and subtle spice. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a refined, slightly mineral character with a gentle warmth.”

Tasting Profile

General profile; to be updated once cask #3687 is tasted.

Nose
Waxy fruit, honeycomb, and floral notes, with fresh citrus and coastal brine.

Palate
Rich malt, vanilla, and soft oak, with dried fruit, toffee, and subtle spice, in an oily, waxy texture.

Finish
Long and elegant, with a mineral edge and gentle warmth.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Smoked salmon and oysters
• Honeycomb and lemon desserts
• Soft, creamy cheeses
• Dried fruit and almonds

Serving Note

Enjoy neat, slowly, in a Glencairn glass; at this strength, water isn’t needed.