Introduction There are times when I’m in the mood for something stripped of fuss—just a clean, honest dram that puts distillery character front and center. That’s what drew me to this independently bottled 9-year-old Clynelish from the Thompson Bros. It came without much fanfare, and I deliberately avoided reading notes before tasting, curious to see how much of that distinctive Clynelish profile would come through at a youthful age. Nose Right from the start, the nose was confident but not loud. There’s a distinct freshness—green apples, cut grass, and a soft waxiness that’s unmistakably Clynelish, though lighter than in older bottlings. I also picked up lemon zest, crushed white pepper, and a faint maritime note, like salt on damp stone. Nothing overwhelms, and the overall impression is nicely composed for something bottled at 9 years. Palate On the palate, things line up with the nose quite well. It opens with apple skin and lemon spritz, then moves quickly into more mineral territory—chalky and clean rather than sweet or oily. The classic waxy mouthfeel is present but measured, more like polished linen than candle drips. I also found a touch of white pepper and a cooling menthol edge, giving it a brisk character. The spirit is very much alive—bright, slightly raw, and not over-dressed by cask influence. Even with its youth, balance is maintained. Finish The finish lingers longer than I expected, gently fading with notes of vanilla pod, faint bitterness from lemon pith, and just the slightest drying oak. The waxy element makes another quiet appearance here, leaving a slightly tactile feeling on the tongue. It’s not a complex ending, but it’s clean and satisfying. Price and Value I picked it up in the mid-£50 range, which feels fair for small-batch independent bottlings of this kind. You're not paying for packaging or rarity—just a well-made whisky that speaks openly. If you're someone who values transparency and prefers spirit-led expressions, there's good value to be found here. That said, it's more one for those who enjoy nuance rather than immediate impact. Background This is a 9-year-old Clynelish single malt bottled by the independent bottlers Thompson Bros. as part of their "Mystery Malt Series." While the label doesn’t officially disclose the distillery, the combination of distillation clues and house style make it clear enough. It was matured in ex-bourbon casks and bottled at 48.5%, unchillfiltered and natural color. Located on Scotland’s northeast coast, Clynelish is known for its slightly waxy, saline house style—a quality that's become harder to find in many modern malts. For those unfamiliar, the distillery is part of the Diageo stable and has recently reopened after a large-scale renovation, though this whisky would have been distilled well before that. You can learn more about the distillery on the official Clynelish website. Final Notes Would I buy this again? Yes, especially for days when I want a straightforward dram that leads with distillery character. It’s not the most complex Clynelish I've had, but it’s honest and nicely executed. For newcomers, it might come across as slightly reserved—this isn't one of those whiskies that wows in the first 10 seconds. But if you're already familiar with Highland malts or the subtler side of Scotch, there’s quite a bit to enjoy here. In terms of when to drink it, I see this fitting into the weeknight category—something enjoyable without needing a lot of ceremony. And how does it compare to older or distillery releases? Naturally, you lose some depth and integration that comes with age, but you gain a brighter, crisper influence of the spirit itself. It leans into the raw materials rather than cask manipulation, which is something I always appreciate in a younger bottling.