The Clynelish Distillery, located in the northern Highlands village of Brora, has as interesting and controversial history. The original Clynelish Distillery was built by the Duke of Sutherland of the opulent Dunrobin Castle estate in 1819 when he realized that whisky production was more profitable than collecting rents from small farmers on his lands. History buffs, likely know what happened next – the crofters were evicted and forced off their lands in what’s today referred to as the Highland clearances.

Also constructed on the duke’s land at this time were mills, tile works, brick works and salt pans, all powered by the coal mines and the crofters and overseen by the duke’s estate manager Patrick Sellar. Profits were king and the people were pushed out of their homes. Some found work in the new industries, while others literally forced out of their homes. It is not a pretty piece of Scottish history but important to understand the geographic disbursement of the Scottish peoples even today.

Clynelish whisky quickly gained popularity and by the end of the 19^th century it was one of the most expensive distillates on the market, especially sought after by blenders. Its nicknamed, the “Highland Home of Johnnie Walker” indicating its significance in that blend.  The demand for blends continued throughout the 20^th century and in 1967, a new Clynelish Distillery was built. The original distillery, renamed Brora, shut down several years later, then re-opened and was eventually shut down and mothballed in 1983, only to be resurrected by Diageo in 2021.

For whisky enthusiasts traveling the NC500, Clynelish Distillery is a must-visit. This scenic coastal route from Inverness winds through cliffs and passes castles, leading to the northernmost tip of mainland Scotland, where you can catch a ferry to Orkney. Along the NC500, you'll find distilleries like Balblair and Glenmorangie, which have been crafting whiskies for centuries. Further north lies Brora, home to both Clynelish and Brora Distilleries.

In typical Diageo fashion, the Clynelish visitor experience caters to both whisky novices eager to learn about Scotch and connoisseurs looking to taste specialty and limited expressions. The site features a coffee shop to warm up after a chilly day and a gift shop offering a wide array of bottles and exclusives. You might also spot the elusive Clynelish cat, a Scottish wildcat, around the premises. Today, Clynelish is still used in Diageo’s blended malts, but its single malts, whether official releases or independent bottlings, remain highly prized.