Brora 23 Years Old Dun Bheagan Cask:821 50% 1980

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (86)

Some were bottled by Ian McLeod under the Chieftain’s (Choice) flag, others under Dun Bheagan. Quality, in my opinion, was similar. Colour: gold. Nose: it is rather wilder, more porridge-y, almost young in fact. Wonderful earthy tones, some sour dough, something metallic (old tin box), notes of roots (manioc?), and rather grass smoke than straight peat. I mean, real grass, in a garden. Oh, and wet dogs (we’ll say it again, we’re sorry, dogs). Mouth: starts vibrant and citrusy, with more smoke than in the 1982, but also a grassy bitterness that’s maybe not totally top-of-range. Leaves, walnut peel, green tea… Perhaps also a touch of soap, almost plastic. Not something we’ve never found in these vintages, mind you, not all Broras were top-class. Finish: rather long but a little bitter and harsh. Sucking a teabag after it’s been used. The oranges in the aftertaste are nicer. Comments: of course it’s good, it’s even very good, but as they say over there in Sutherland, there are better Broras.