Brora 12th Release 35 Years Old 49.9% 1977

Avis professionnels

Serge Valentin (95)

It is the 12th release of Brora. Already! An incredible Brora and I couldn't believe it's all from the 1977 vintage, since there are obvious notes of '1972' (and adjacent vintages). So the peat is less discreet than I had thought, while the rest is of an incredible complexity, sometimes soft and elegant, sometimes bigger and full of seashells, oysters, seaweed and tar. I remember having found, both in the nose and in the palate, some verbena, some absinth (that was in the 1978 as well, now I remember) some kippers, smoked salmon and even fish oil, a lot of wax (of course), some grapefruits, some liquorice and a feeling of bone dry white wine of very high quality. And in the finish, a slight smoky and fresh acridness that I simply adored. Having said thatr I have to confess I was a little disappointed because I had hoped Diageo would have granted us with a 40 yo 1972 this year, but in fact I found this new 35 quite... flabbergasting. That, I remember very well.

Gal Granov (91)

Words of whisky:

The balance is what I'm most impressed with here, as has been the case before with these official releases.
Nose
Supremely balance with just a whiff of wood smoke, but mainly apricots and candle wax, with a whisper of damp oak and furniture polish. Then oranges and lime, followed by some pink grapefruit. It has a lovely minerality to it as well. Hints of ozone too.
Taste
Quite salty, with whispers of peat smoke and seaweed. Wet rocks too. Some chargrilled lemons and grapefruit, as well as black pepper, ginger and chalk. A good amount of leather. Fairly different from the nose, I'd say.
Finish
Lingering spiciness, some menthol. A tad dry.