A Special Release from before the Special Releases, the first Brora in this series and the first OB if you take neither any 'Old' Clynelish, nor the Rare Malts into account. Oh well we used to classify the Rare Malts as 'official independent bottlings' anyway, which sounds extremely silly in 2021. We've never let anything stop us. I also remember well the first time I tried this one blind, in front of a few hundred people. 'It's Talisker!' did I exclaim without thinking. After almost 20 years, I keep feeling shame… Colour: gold. Nose: I wasn't remembering all this coriander, cardamom, and even curry. It is fatter than the RM, with more oak and certainly more spices, especially pepper. That's probably why I had thought it was Talisker… back in 2002. It is also clearly farmy, this time, but that was really a trait of the 1972 vintage. With water: a lot of hay, almonds, coal, also mint, and distant whiffs of the very friendly farm dog barking at you for no reason. Mouth (neat): more ashes than in the 1977, more very dry and tarry lapsang souchong, and with all those spices that keep fighting you. Coriander seeds, chiefly. With water: awesomely almondy and mentholy. Touches of salt, smoke, smoked salmon, fatter oysters… Finish: long, a tad bitterer and grassier. Comments: in my view these very early 1972 'SRs' were somewhat stuck between the otherworldly younger, more brutal Rare Malts, and some older 1972s that had gained a fabulous complexity over the years. But they remain high-class.
BOW (92)
The Brora 1st Release, bottled at 52.4%, stands as a remarkable testament to the legacy of this revered distillery. Distilled in 1972 and bottled in 2002, this expression is part of the annual release series, capturing the essence of a bygone era.
A Vintage Journey
Transporting enthusiasts back to the distillation year of 1972, this Brora release encapsulates the spirit of that time. The annual release series, renowned for its curated and limited editions, adds a layer of exclusivity to this already distinguished expression.
Tasting Profile
At 52.4% alcohol by volume, the Brora 1st Release promises a nuanced and sophisticated tasting experience. The decades spent maturing in the cask contribute to a rich and complex flavor profile. Enthusiasts can expect a symphony of notes, from the distinct Brora peatiness to subtle hints of fruit, oak, and a gentle smokiness.
A Legacy Unveiled
Bottled in 2002, this Brora expression unravels the story of meticulous craftsmanship and the passage of time. Each sip offers a glimpse into the artistry that defines the distillery's legacy, making it a captivating addition to any whisky enthusiast's collection.
