Please note: this tin box shows some wear spots

Brora 20 years 1981 - 2002 Signatory Vintage Cask #1420

Brora distillery was built in 1819 by the Marquis of Stafford, but was known as Clynelish distillery. The distillery kept this name until the opening of the new Clynelish distillery. As two distilleries with the same name is not convenient, nor is it allowed, the old Clynelish distillery was renamed the Brora distillery. Between May 1969 and July 1973, heavily peated whisky was produced at Brora to then be supplied for blended whisky. This was done because there was a shortage of heavily-turfed Islay whisky caused by drought in that region and the closure of Caol Ila distillery. (Large-scale renovation) Most whisky produced as Brora after 1973 has a lighter peat character than the whisky of the years before. In early 1983, production at Brora distillery ceased and the distillery is known as closed distillery.

Origin and bottling

This Single Malt Whisky was distilled on 12 November 1981 and bottled in October 2002 after a maturation of more than 20 years. This was done by independent bottler Signatory Vintage. This is a single cask with the cask number 1420. Finally, 839 bottles were bottled in the series: Un-Chillfiltered Collection.

Cask type

A Refill Sherry Butt was chosen for maturation. This cask of European oak gives a lot of character to this Single Cask Whisky.

Tasting note

Colour

Pale golden yellow

Nose

Brora from this period is not known for its exuberant peat character, rather for its 'coastal' character. This briny therefore comes through well in the aroma, but along with the bitter sherry character of the cask. Toasted bread is also mentioned in the aroma along with some pipe tobacco. A cacophony of scents that give this whisky wonderful character.

Taste

Leathery, medicinal, are we sure we are not talking about a Brora from the early 70s here? No, here the peat is perhaps a little more present than in the aroma, but still mild in the background. Nicely nutty too, bit of wet moss, like you just stepped out of a damp forest. The sherry cask has done its best. All the sharp edges are nicely balanced. Full-bodied with a slight hint of burnt rubber.

Finish

The malty character with hints of saltiness and minerals lingers longest on the palate.

Overall impression

This is Brora too, relatively mild and subdued. But if you give the glass time, you'll be spoiled with the most beautiful aromas and flavours.