Brora 20 years 1981 - 2002 #1420

Please note: this tin box shows some wear spots

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.

Brora Distillery

Brora Distillery is located in the Scottish Highlands, near the coastal town of Brora in Sutherland. Founded in 1819 by the Marquis of Stafford, the distillery was originally known as Clynelish. In 1968, a new Clynelish Distillery was built next to the original one, which was then renamed Brora. The distillery produced until 1983, after which it closed, but its whiskies from that period have achieved legendary status.

A specific feature of Brora whisky is the use of peated malt during certain periods of production, which resulted in a robust and smoky flavour profile, with notes of sea salt, leather and subtle fruitiness. This unique combination of flavours made Brora whisky highly sought after by whisky lovers, collectors and investors.

In 2021, Diageo reopened Brora Distillery after an extensive restoration. The reopening marks a new era for Brora, with the distillery building on its rich heritage and traditional production methods. Brora's revival brings one of the most respected names in Scotch back into production, to the delight of whisky connoisseurs worldwide.