Brora 34 years 1970 - 2004 

Tasting notes by Serge Valentin: 92 points www.whiskyfun.com

At 34 yo this one is probably the older Brora around but that may change in the future.

Colour: pure gold.

Nose: this one is probably more discrete at first nosing, more restrained than all the other ones. It’s also the first one that shows signs of age although it’s very far from being tired (almost 57% at 34 yo is quite a lot anyway). There’s also kind of a maritime freshness mixed with notes of almonds like in the very old Caol Ilas (from the 60’s) but we also have quite some fresh mint right at first nosing as well as notes of iodine, wax, marzipan, linseed oil, maybe hints of turpentine, old apples, wine cellar… Something that reminds me old amontillados (well, I had that only once in my life actually). Oh, and now there’s a little incense, cedar wood, burning herbs (thyme and such)… it gets more and more complex with time… Old books, wax polish, peanut butter… And then we’re back to almonds and walnuts… And mint! Again, just superb.

Mouth: ho-ho, lots of oomph now, with an attack on fresh walnuts, almonds and grape skin plus something camphory and minty again. Goes on with candied lemon, green tea, mastic, argan oil, not too sugared nougat, marzipan… And the kind of superb ‘evolved’ peatiness that you can get in the very old Ardbegs, Caol Ilas or Lagavulins distilled in the 60’s or before, I think. Okay, agreed, enough maltoporn – this one lacked just a little backbone when compared with all the other ones but hey, it’ll still defeat many old Islayers in fact. Head and shoulders. 92 points

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.