Whisky Review/Tasting: Brora 34 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Brora Distillery, located on the east coast of the northern Highlands, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Year: 1982.
Age Statement: 34 years.
Maturation: Matured in refill American hogsheads.
ABV: 51.9% (natural cask strength).
Color: Deep gold with gold bedding.
Clarity: Slow legs, indicating potential oiliness.
Bottle Design: Part of Diageo's special releases, limited to 3,000 bottles.

Initial Aroma: Maritime and mineral with dried seaweed, waxed apples, damp straw, hints of honeysuckle, and oily tags.
Taste: Sweet waxy texture, sharp initially with fruit chili, fresh ground black pepper, spicy, cooling, pepper masked by chocolate, sweet grass, and fruity sweetness.
Complexity: Noted for its complexity, maturity, and a little oiliness. Fresh and fruity rather than saturated with mature, oxidized fruits.

Distillery History: Founded in 1819, Brora is one of Scotland's earliest purpose-built malt whisky distilleries. It was closed and reopened multiple times throughout its history and was coal-fired until 1961.
Rebuilding: Brora is being rebuilt with a budget of 30-35 million pounds and is set to go into operation again in 2019. There's curiosity about whether the distillery will retain direct fire stills or switch to steam heating.

Historical Significance: Brora's establishment predates the official licensing of Highland distilleries, highlighting its importance in Scotch whisky history.
Geographical Advantage: Located at the coast for easy access to shipping routes for importing goods and exporting whisky.

"It's wonderful to have the chance to taste all these wonderful old special releases."
The reviewer, Horst Luening, expresses appreciation for the complexity and maturity of the Brora 34 Years, emphasizing its fresh and fruity character despite its age.

Brora 34 Years is a limited edition single malt Scotch whisky, distilled in 1982 and matured in refill American hogsheads.
It boasts a complex flavor profile with maritime and mineral initial aromas, transitioning to a sweet, waxy, and spicy taste.
The whisky has historical and cultural significance, being one of the earliest purpose-built malt whisky distilleries in Scotland.
The distillery's history of closures and the recent rebuilding project add to the whisky's storytelling appeal.
Expert opinions highlight the whisky's complexity, maturity, and unique freshness despite its age.

Whisky Collectors: Given its limited release and part of Diageo's special releases, it's a must-have for collectors.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a palate for complex, mature, and maritime-flavored whiskies will find this particularly enjoyable.
History and Culture Buffs: Individuals interested in the history of Scotch whisky and distillery engineering might find the story of Brora's rebuilding fascinating.