Description

The Macbeth Collection: Clynelish 14 Year Old “Servant” Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 55.1%           Age: 14 Years Old         Country: Scotland

The Whisky

The Clynelish 14 Year Old “Servant” is a standout release from Act II of the highly acclaimed Macbeth Whisky Collection. This ambitious series, a collaboration between Livingstone and Elixir Distillers, assigns legendary whiskies to characters from Shakespeare’s tragedy. Bottled at a potent 55.1% ABV, this expression represents the “Servant”—a humble but essential messenger in the play.

While Clynelish is typically a workhorse for famous blends, this limited edition of 1,600 bottles places the distillery centre stage. It was matured exclusively in first-fill Bourbon barrels, a choice made to amplify the distillery’s signature spirit profile without the heavy masking of sherry. The bottle features a unique illustration of a terror stricken bird messenger by Sir Quentin Blake, accompanied by evocative character notes from whisky authority Dave Broom.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Elegant and bright. It opens with the unmistakable scent of beeswax and honeyed oats, followed by fresh garden notes of lemongrass and juniper. There is a delicate floral sweetness reminiscent of hot gorse in a summer breeze.

Palate: Rich, waxy, and remarkably structured. The palate is coated in butterscotch sweetness and thick candlewax, a hallmark of the Clynelish style. This is balanced by vibrant spikes of ground ginger, toasted vanilla, and candied lemon peel.

Finish: Long and refined. The finish tapers off with a lingering maritime salinity, more waxy sweetness, and a final, warming touch of dry oak spice.

The Distillery

The Clynelish Distillery, located in Brora on the Sutherland coast, is one of the most revered Highland distilleries among enthusiasts. Its name is synonymous with “waxiness,” a physical texture in the spirit that is almost unique in the whisky world. A unique factual detail: This waxy character is believed to come from the buildup of “feints” in the distillery’s receivers, which the staff intentionally leave uncleaned to preserve the spirit’s heavy mouthfeel. By selecting Clynelish for the “Servant,” the creators highlight a malt that is the “foundation” of many great whiskies, finally giving it the solo spotlight it deserves.

Overall Review

The Clynelish 14 Year Old “Servant” is widely reviewed as a “purist’s dream.” Critics have praised it for being an “unmasked” Clynelish, noting that the first-fill bourbon maturation allows the legendary waxy distillate to shine more clearly than in the standard distillery bottlings. It is considered a cornerstone of the Household Series and a must have for those collecting the Macbeth Act II set.