Speyburn Bradan Orach | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Matured in oak casks, details on the specific type of oak or cask history are not provided.
Age Statement: No age statement, but estimated to be around 7-8 years based on the nose.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the name "Bradan Orach" translates to "golden salmon," which may hint at a golden color.
Bottle Design: Described as very slim and tall, with a stable cap and excellent cork. The packaging has improved over time, now featuring a stable carton box with an inlet, offering high quality for the price.

Nose: Maltiness, fruitiness (citrus fruits, apple, honey, pears, peaches), with some alcoholic or oaky notes and a hint of vanilla.
Palate: Silky and friendly on the tongue at first, then spiciness and oakiness kick in, combined with sweeter notes transitioning to more spicy notes.
Finish: Long aftertaste with definite oakiness and a bit of bitterness.

Distillery History: Speyburn Distillery was founded in 1897, with a rush to finish construction in time for the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria's coronation. The distillery uses water from a small creek leading to the River Spey.
Name Origin: "Bradan Orach" is Gaelic for "golden salmon," reflecting the abundance of golden salmon in the nearby rivers.

The Speyburn Distillery's location in Speyside, a renowned whisky-producing region, and its use of local water sources highlight its deep connection to the area's natural resources and heritage. The name of the whisky itself celebrates the local wildlife, emphasizing the distillery's ties to its surroundings.

Horst Luening describes the Speyburn Bradan Orach as a "typical Speysider" with a fruity, fresh profile and a light oaky note from the cask. He is impressed by the quality of the packaging relative to the price, noting it as "incredible."

Speyburn Bradan Orach is a single malt whisky from Speyside, Scotland, with no age statement but estimated to be around 7-8 years old.
It features a fruity and malty nose with a hint of oak and vanilla, leading to a palate that starts silky and transitions to spicy and oaky notes.
The whisky is named after the Gaelic term for "golden salmon," reflecting the local wildlife and the distillery's connection to its geographical location.
The packaging is noted for its high quality relative to the whisky's affordable price.
Horst Luening praises the whisky for its typical Speyside character and the exceptional value it offers.

For Beginners: This whisky's affordable price and typical Speyside character make it an excellent entry point for those new to single malt Scotch.
For Enthusiasts: The unique story behind its name and the distillery's history may appeal to whisky enthusiasts interested in the cultural and historical aspects of whisky production.
For Bargain Hunters: Given its high-quality packaging and solid flavor profile at a low price point, this whisky is a great find for those looking to expand their collection without breaking the bank.