Brora 15th Release 48.6% NV

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (95)

Last year’s SR was already a 1977, and I just loved it (WF 95). 1977 and similar vintages never quite had the reputation of, say 1972, but now that quite some water has flown under the Scottish bridges, the complexity of those whiskies just stands out. Plus, it’s not impossible that Diageo have been rather picky with the casks they selected for these recent releases… Colour: refreshingly golden. Nose: oh f*** it. I almost feel like I should leave it all here, and rather taste the new Glenkinchie. This is like nosing the hot engine of an old Aston. Bakelite, castor oil, petrol, fumes, tyres… It’s not very expressive, in fact, but it’s one of the most elegant noses I’ve been given to put under my nostrils in recent months. Or perhaps years. Also love these whiffs of ‘old books under the rain’, carbon paper, manure, autumn leaves (under the rain as well), damp earth, moss… Oh and these notes of new electronics, when we used to unpack a new stereo, around 1975… And the camphor is there as well, a bit of seaweed (nori?), paraffin oil, perhaps tinned sardines… My my my!

Mouth: I had thought it would have gotten a little shy – at least shier than younger expressions – but not at all, it still roars and kicks you. What’s really remarkable is how dry it is, it’s even drier than the driest manzanilla! Ashes, bitter green tea, liquorice extracts, artichokes, tar… You’d almost believe you’re eating tiger balm at times. Well, I imagine. More wax and paraffin as well, mints, perhaps a little tarragon, bitter almonds for sure… What a ride! There are even hints of very old Sauternes that’s integrally digested its sugar. Finish: long, still bone dry, with more artichoke and ashes. A sublime dryness. Comments: the opposite of all these new Kardashian whiskies that abound here and there. Philosophical whisky, perfectly blended. Same score as last year, but it needs no score, of course. It’s expensive whisky, but I find it a little depressing that the Port Ellen would be 40% more expensive! Don’t get me wrong, it’s the PE that’s too expensive, and not this Brora that’s too cheap! Anyway…

Gal Granov (96)

Nose: Excellent start with a lovely melange of smoke, fruity notes (peach , ripe orange) and a nice musty feel to it as well. it’s quite reeky , and there’s some wet cardboard / wet dog in the background as well which adds a nice depth, and goes lovely with the smoky / waxy overall experience. If you’re a fan of old wood , you’re going to feel at home here, as there’s plenty of that, 38 years in quality wood. Yes.

Palate: With such a nose, the palate should not fail us.. and It surely does not. What a great mouth feel with ‘just’ under 49% abv. Smoky, and savoury with some creamy vanilla, crème brûlée , warm wood smoke, ash, and more of that lovely waxy feel / ripe blood orange. And more yummy old wood, lots of that, and some dark chocolate on the enxt wave of sensations. I am smiling!

Finish: Long, lovely with, the old wood, smoke, gentle earthy peat and chocolate.

Conclusion:

This is a truly exceptional whisky. Rich, complex, with a great mouthfeel, that delivers everything it promises, and except the hefty price, I can not find anything bad to say about it. I wish i had cases of this stuff, and not to sell, but to drink… It leaves the Port Ellen in the dust (review coming, not to worry). Superb.

Whisky Notes (94)

Nose: a truly unique mix of warm peaches and yellow plums, mixed with lots of oily notes, leather and light farmy touches (not the sheep stables, but hay, leafy notes and wet dogs). Something dusty / musty as well, in the best way possible. Also grilled pineapple and lightly smoked meat in the background. Slight vanilla notes. Lemongrass. Camphor. Autumnal whisky at its best. Mouth: slightly sharper than expected, with very light peat and less light ashes but mostly oily notes again and a salty edge. Leather. Candle wax. Bitter almonds and a good dose of old oak. A little chamomile and mint. Newspaper paper! Liquorice. Quite earthy again, but there’s a combination of dark chocolate and light floral notes that keeps it in check.

It’s difficult to explain the appeal of this whisky (and Brora in general) as it does show some musty, stale and bitter notes that seem strange on paper. Yet it is extremely complex and the balance and elegance is stunning. Just beautiful, beautiful whisky.