Brennerei | Brora |
Abfüller | OB |
Serie | Diageo Special Releases 2015 |
Abgefüllt für | |
Destillationsdatum | 1977 |
Abfülldatum | 2015 |
Land | Schottland |
Region | Nothern Highlands |
Alter | 37 |
Cask Type | Refill American White Oak Hogsheads |
Fassnummer | Bottle code L5132DQ000 |
Alcohol percentage | 50.4% |
Inhalt | 0,70 |
Zustand | in Originalverpackung |
Label | Perfekt |
Vorrat | 0 |
High expectations, high expectations… Especially since the 35 yo bottled in 2013 was a 1977 as well, and fetched a well-deserved 95 points mark in my little book. Colour: gold. Nose: Brora seems to be indestructible. I can well imagine in 2037, on Whiskyfun, a 65 years old 1972 Special Release being tasted. Stocks are said to be low, but they always said that, and they still managed to vat around ten casks this year. The result is amazing, curiously softer than the G&M and more herbal, more coastal as well, and perhaps a little smokier too. Less sherry for sure, so less tobacco and chocolate. There are the trademark farmy touches (hay), then oysters and chartreuse, then more resinous notes, between pinesap and artisan absinth. Astounding complexity, as expected. With water: superb sappy oil extracts. Old candle, linoleum, bandages, embrocations, verbena, wormwood… and mud. Mouth (neat): huge, ashy, almost drying, in a good way. This one reminds us that 1977 was still a peaty year at Brora. More absinth, tarry smoke, liquorice, salted fish, with a mouth feel that’s becoming oilier and creamier. Touches of salted chestnut honey, which gives it a Chinese side, in a way. Huge whisky. With water: exceptional. Dry, coastal, liquoricy, herbal, both fat and chiselled. The best cough syrup ever. Finish: perhaps not extremely long, but all these herbs, liquorice and cough drops just work in sync. It’s the freshness that’s most impressive. Comments: one of 2015’s grands crus, no doubt, together with some of the Karuizawas. Hey, next time, could someone sell a blend of Karuizawa and Brora? You could call it either Karuibrora or Brorazawa. I’m sure that would make it to 97 points if it’s well made, serious. Hint, hint, John Glaser… In any case, this one beats last year’s in my book.
Certainly! Here's the rewritten text without bold highlights:
Recently, I had the opportunity to sample the Brora 37 Years Old Special Release 2015, bottled at 50.4%, during a visit to the Diageo headquarters. Here are my tasting notes for this exceptional whisky:
Nose: The aroma is lightly peated, featuring a delightful smoldering heather fire. There's a hint of hay, subtly grassy and evolving over time. Distinctive notes of old leather and black tea, reminiscent of "Lapsang souchong," contribute to a truly pleasant and complex nose. I would rate it 24/25.
Mouth: Licorice lovers, rejoice! The palate delivers licorice notes alongside herbal nuances like laurel and stable tones. The smoldering peat and lapsang black tea persist, gradually transforming into a hazelnut-like taste. Just a touch of woodiness accompanies a creamy and buttery mouthfeel that I found thoroughly enjoyable. A score of 24/25.
Finish: The finish is exceptionally long and pleasing, characterized by hay tones and licorice. As it lingers, a delightful twist unfolds with a kiwi fruitiness emerging. This unexpected fruity note adds a layer of complexity and earns a solid 24/25.
Balance: This whisky demonstrates an extraordinary balance. From the initial sniff, it captivates with its complexity, showcasing a well-rounded character. I would confidently rate its balance at 24/25.
Comments: In essence, this is a beautiful whisky—one that enthusiasts like us live for. Occasionally, a whisky emerges as so outstanding and perfect that it leaves you smiling all day long. The Brora 37 Years Old 2015 release achieved precisely that for me. Score: 96/100 points.