Clynelish – Reserve Game Of Thrones ‘House Tyrell' (70cl, 51.2%)

Clynelish – Reserve Game Of Thrones ‘House Tyrell' is a whisky from Clynelish (Highland). Bottled at 51.2% ABV, 70cl. The original Clynelish distillery was built in 1819 by the reviled Duke of Sutherland as part of the infamous Highland Clearances project. It is somewhat satisfying then that it failed to make much of an impression during these early years, going through a long period of turmoil before finding its way into the hands of John Walker and DCL in 1930. This proved a real turning point though, and in 1967 it was decided that a larger, more modern distillery was needed to keep up with demand. This newer distillery is the one we associate today with the name Clynelish; the original being renamed Brora (after the neighbouring town) in 1969 to avoid confusion. Perhaps surprisingly, due to the high regard with which its signature “waxy” style is held amongst whisky fans, Clynelish doesn’t have much in the way of a core range beyond its 14-year-old; with most of its presence as a single malt down to current owner Diageo’s annual releases, or releases by independent bottlers. Instead it is most often found in blends and it provides the heart of Johnnie Walker’s Gold Label Reserve. To accompany the final series of the epic HBO drama, Diageo helped ease the tension by releasing a range of eight bottlings - one for each season of the show - from eight different distilleries across the Scottish regions each representing a Game of Thrones House and adorned with the respective crest; supposedly with some connection between the dynasty and the distillery. House Tyrell