Brora 1981 23 yo ‘Unfiltered’ by La Maison Du Whisky cask no. 05/593
THE original Clynelish, till 1968 when an expansion next-door was completed. This new distillery became the Clynelish we know today, and the old distillery became known as Brora. Interestingly the new Clynelish was built to mimic the old Clynelish, a testament of the quality of old Clynelish whisky – but as for how much success new Clynelish (a great whisky in its own right) has had in that regard, well, that is a topic eagerly debated.
[And recently Diageo announced an expansion to Mortlach that will be an exact copy of Mortlach – this blogger wonders how much success Diageo will have this time.]
Brora as a whisky has worn several guises in it’s lifetime. The heavily peated blending constituent of the 70s and in it’s later years, a lighty peated highland style. Brora closed for good in 1983, ’tis a great pity.
Brora 1981 23 yo ‘Unfiltered’ by La Maison Du Whisky cask no. 05/593
Nose: Parrafin and minerals. Sea breeze, ripe tropical fruits – passion fruit and melon… and rancio? Somewhat reticent.
Palette: Salty! Whiff of smoke, and engine oil. Dried leafy herbs makes it mouth watering.
Finish: Long and herbal, salty and astringent.
Err… Sherry Butt? Wouldn’t have guessed that blind.
Edit: Hmm.. right 1 hour after pouring this out some sweet citrusy notes do come out on the palette…
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