Brora 3rd Release 56.6% 1974

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Serge Valentin (95)

Colour: pure gold.

Nose: smoke, peat and some very bold animal notes: amazing! Imagine you visit a farm, with its dogs, the cow stable, a bonfire somewhere in the courtyard… It then gets very waxy and superbly yeasty like Poilâne’s bread… Absolutely stunning. I had thought they would have put the best casks into the first edition(s), but this one proves I was wrong. It then gets quite tary, with some diesel oil. Yet, it’s more refined than the first two editions, and less brutal.

Mouth: surprisingly sweet, creamy, and almost un-peaty at first sip, but like in the very best Ardbegs, the smoke and the peat then develop into a magnificent continuum, even if the whisky remains always refined and subtle. It then gets very lemony and tary again, on green lemon, lemon grass…

The finish is very long, on a perfect cocktail of smoky lemon juice with pepper.

What a fantastic presence, deserving no less than 95 points in my book (but Olivier, who’s a little less shy than me with his ratings, gave it 97 points). Now, as I already told you, the problem is that this Brora is a killer, as it sort of damaged both the Caol Ila 25 yo and the Talisker 25 yo that were to follow…

Whisky Notes (95)

Nose: goat stables and hay. This farminess is pretty unique to these first few Brora releases and so nice. Subtle peat and coastal notes. Wet dogs. A little charcoal. Then some greasy / buttery notes, wax candles, oily garage aromas. Soft orchard fruit sweetness underneath. All in all fairly gentle, but very complex.

Mouth: firmer now but still very oily and creamy, with briney smoke, distant sweetness and a little citrus. Iodine notes, hints of black tea and cocoa. Pepper and herbs. Whiffs of tar.

Finish: very long, smoked lemons, tar, crushed peppercorns and oily notes.

Early 1970s Brora, you can’t beat that. Very hard to find these days, but it’s worth it. I adore the 2007 as well but this is a notch above.

BOW (95)

Title: Brora Diageo Special Releases 2004 (3rd Release) 56.6%

In the vast world of Scotch whisky, certain releases stand out as exceptional expressions of craftsmanship and artistry. The Brora Diageo Special Releases 2004 (3rd Release), distilled in 1974 and bottled in 2004, is one such multidimensional, stunning, and solid whisky that captivates the senses with its complexity. Let's embark on a journey through the layers of this extraordinary Scotch, released as part of the Diageo Special Releases 2004.

Nose:
The first encounter with this Brora release is a sensory adventure. The pronounced aroma immediately envelops the senses with a distinctive blend of blue cheese, a farm's earthy essence, and the allure of curing smoke. Dried apples and limes add a fruity dimension, while green olive paste and subtle mineral elements provide an intriguing complexity. The nose further unfolds with the richness of thick vinaigrette, the subtlety of bbq sauce, the maritime essence of boiled shrimps, and a hint of Vick ointment. Each inhalation reveals a pulsating aroma, surprising with every moment as it unveils new and delightful details.

Taste:
As the whisky caresses the palate, it reveals its thick, sweet nature, welcoming the drinker with a harmonious blend of honey and smoke. The journey through flavor continues with the indulgence of caramel, the richness of chocolate, and the sweetness of red fruits, with a subtle note of grapefruit adding a refreshing twist. The taste is a testament to the craftsmanship that went into the creation of this exceptional expression, showcasing a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness.

Finish:
The grand finale is marked by a powerful finish, a symphony of flavors that linger on the palate. It's a crazy dance between the aftertaste of salty caramel, the lingering notes of smoke, the freshness of grapefruit, and the subtle infusion of sea elements. The continuity from taste to finish is seamless, leaving a lasting impression that invites contemplation and appreciation for the complexities within the glass.

Conclusion:
The Brora Diageo Special Releases 2004 (3rd Release) is not merely a whisky; it's an experience. From the multidimensional nose to the sweet and smoky taste, culminating in a powerful and lingering finish, every sip is a journey through the Highlands of Scotland. For those moments when exploration is a reward in itself, this Scotch is a worthy companion—a testament to the artistry and dedication of those behind its creation. So, raise your glass to the Brora 1974, a timeless expression that transcends the ordinary and invites you into the extraordinary world of Scotch whisky.

Angus McRaild (94)

Colour: gold (a shade deeper). Nose: A tad straighter and more mineral than the 03 at first. But also more medicinal, more embrocations, bandages, gauze and various subtle ointments. The raw farmyard note in the 03 is displaced here by a balancing but deep sootiness. Give it time and the waxiness bubbles up to the surface like slow lava. In time the earthiness becomes gravelly and there’s this note of turmeric, capers in olive oil and some fresh, yeasty breads. With water: really a similar ‘unifying’ effect as in the 03 but again here it’s more sooty, more polished, more light green fruits, more beeswax and wee flickers of lanolin and lamp oils. Mouth: you do notice the wee variations between them. This one is again leaner, straighter and more direct. It goes towards the peat in a more singular and precise fashion. But it’s brilliance is unquestionable. White hot peats, metal polish, more of this wonderful wood ember character, sandalwood, seashore salinity, paraffin wax, camphor and a texture that’s almost approaching old sweet wines such as a particularly excellent SGN - no wonder these are often considered ‘wine drinkers whiskies’. Will this anti-maltoporn brigade never get here...! With water: if you’ll excuse me but, holy shit! Water exposes the most stunning medical side in this one. Like pear eau de vie, mercurochrome and precious ointments all fused together. There’s damp hay, white truffle oil, smoked German beer, old ink and tiny tropical notes like pineapple syrup. Finish: similarly endless, only here there’s the most sublime and muscular saltiness. Like a great tidal swipe of sea salt, lemon rind, tar, dried seaweed and smoked oyster sauce. In the aftertaste there’s a callback to these more rural, earthy, mechanical notes. Comments: There isn’t much between them to be honest. Maybe I preferred the 03’s broadness and more overt farminess a tad more, but it’s splitting hairs really. Both are truly magnificent, humbling and beautiful whiskies.