克里尼利基酒厂最初的建立是在1819年，是Sutherland公爵为了给失去土地的农民解决民生问题的。在圈地运动中失去土地的农民租赁公爵靠海的土地种植大麦，并将大麦提供给酒厂酿造威士忌，这个酒厂就是最早的克里尼利基酒厂。
克里尼利基酒体轻度偏中，风格比较接近岛屿型威士忌，但却有独挡一面的特色，最让人称道的是类似腊油的稪郁油酯风味，该特色在所有的苏格兰纯麦中堪称绝无仅有的。
由于该酒厂所生产的纯麦大多供给约翰走路系列产品调配用原酒，因此是市面上较少见的纯麦产品。克里尼利基最主要的原料是采用泥煤烟熏的麦芽，其饱满的金黄色泽，源自于橡木桶的生成，加上甜甜的青草，花香，木香，及微微的烟熏味和可可味，并带有些微辛辣，再加上独特的油酯风味，是一款另人向往的纯麦威士忌。
Founded in 1819 on farm land to employ the Duke of Sutherland's re-settled tenants. One of the most northerly distilleries in Scotland. Name comes from the Gaelic for “enclosed pasture”. Longstanding reputation for quality; “has always obtained the highest price of any single Scotch whisky” (Harper’s Weekly, 1896). New distillery built 1967-68. Original distillery later produced as Brora™, until closed in 1983.
Closer to an island style than other mainland malts. Not a heavyweight, yet deliciously drinkable. “A majestic whisky” says Charles MacLean. Smoothness and long finish benefit from 14 years of aging.
