Whisky Review/Tasting: The Brora 35 years old
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: Brora Distillery, originally known as Kleinlich, founded in 1819.
- Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
- Distillation and Maturation Process: Distilled in 1977, aged for 35 years.
- Age Statement: 35 years old.
- Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the presentation and the whisky's age suggest a rich, deep color.
- Bottle Design and Packaging: Comes in a satin-covered presentation box, indicating a premium product. The bottle itself is not described, but the packaging suggests exclusivity and rarity.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: Described as having a beautiful balance on the palate, with a creamy smooth smokiness.
- Unique Characteristics: Noted for its fresh and bracing nose, warm scented wax over a cereal base, sweetening into honeycomb and toasted coconut. The flavor evolves from sweeter and smokier than the nose suggests to a spicily drying finish with lingering wood smoke.
- Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique profile of aged peatiness and the rarity of the distillery's expressions make it stand out.
Whisky Storytelling
- Distillery History: Brora, originally Kleinlich, underwent several transformations and expansions before its closure in 1983 due to the British recession. Its highly peated expressions became sought after when released as a rare malt in 1995.
- Production Anecdotes: The distillery's fluctuating history, including its closure, reopening, and eventual shutdown, adds a layer of intrigue and rarity to its whiskies.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Historical Context: The closure of Brora in 1983 marks a significant moment in Scotch whisky history, reflecting the industry's struggles during the British recession.
- Geographical Significance: Brora's location and its historical changes in production capacity and name contribute to its unique identity in the whisky world.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "This wonderful 35-year-old, which was distilled in 1977, will surely rank among them [the world's most sought-after single malt whiskies]."
- "It's sad you should keep a whisky as many seconds on your tongue as it's years old, so 35 seconds it's impossible; it's so strong on your tongue."
Summary
- Brora 35 years old is a rare and highly sought-after single malt Scotch whisky, distilled in 1977 and aged for 35 years.
- It features a creamy smooth smokiness, with a flavor profile that includes warm scented wax, honeycomb, and toasted coconut.
- The distillery's history, including its closure and the rarity of its expressions, adds to the whisky's allure.
- The whisky is presented in a satin-covered box, indicating its premium status.
- Expert opinions highlight its exceptional quality and the unique experience of tasting such an aged whisky.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- Whisky Collectors: Given its rarity and historical significance, collectors would be particularly interested in acquiring a bottle.
- Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a palate for aged, peated whiskies would appreciate its complex flavor profile.
- Investors: Given its increasing value and limited availability, investors looking for whiskies that appreciate over time would find it appealing.