Brora 1982 Rare Malts Selection 20yo 58.1% 700ml

The Brora 1982 Rare Malts Selection is an exquisite 20-year-old single malt whisky, distilled in 1982 and bottled in 2003 by Diageo. As part of the now-discontinued Rare Malts Selection, this release showcases some of Diageo's hidden treasures. The Brora distillery, previously known as Clynelish, is celebrated for its coastal Highland style, producing lightly peated whisky with a distinctive waxy character. This particular expression captures the essence of Brora's unique profile. On the nose, this whisky offers soft spices such as nutmeg, ginger, and white pepper, complemented by coconut, vanilla, and a hint of citrus, achieving an excellent balance. The palate is thick, robust, and intense, with a strong pepperiness and notes of citrus, banana, vanilla, nutmeg, and ginger. Adding water unveils luscious fruity and floral notes, including raspberries and blackberries. The long finish features a dry sweetness with touches of Demerara sugar, citrus, and vanilla, making for a powerful and complex whisky experience. This bottle hails from the Rare Malts Selection, highlighting whiskies from both operational and lost distilleries. Distilled at the Brora Distillery in 1982 and aged for 20 years, it was bottled at natural cask strength in April 2003. Notably, the Brora Distillery is set to reopen in the coming years, adding to the uniqueness and historical significance of this bottle. In 2004, this Brora whisky won the Best Cask Strength Whisky Award, further cementing its status among connoisseurs.

FAQs

• What makes the Brora 1982 Rare Malts Selection unique?

  This whisky is part of the discontinued Rare Malts Selection, which features cask-strength releases from Diageo's hidden treasures. The Brora distillery's coastal Highland style, lightly peated whisky, and distinctive waxy character contribute to its uniqueness.

• What awards has the Brora 1982 whisky won?

  The Brora 1982 Rare Malts Selection won the Best Cask Strength Whisky Award in 2004.

• How does adding water affect the taste of the Brora 1982 whisky?

  Adding water opens up luscious fruity and floral notes, with raspberries and blackberries, enhancing the whisky's complexity and balance.

• When was this whisky distilled and bottled?

  The Brora 1982 Rare Malts Selection was distilled in 1982 and bottled in April 2003.

Tasting notes

• Aroma: soft spices, nutmeg, ginger, white pepper, coconut, vanilla, citrus, honey, camphor, iodine, silver polish, leather, candle wax
• Taste: thick, robust, intense, pepperiness, citrus, banana, vanilla, nutmeg, ginger, peach, pineapple, tobacco, soft peat, oak
• Finish: long, dry sweetness, Demerara sugar, citrus, vanilla, warm, peppery
• Overall: A powerful and complex whisky, starting with a sweet and balanced nose, transitioning to a robust and intense palate with peppery and fruity notes, and culminating in a long, dry, and warm finish. Adding water enhances its fruity and floral characteristics.

Reviewer's opinion

The Brora 1982 Rare Malts Selection is a remarkable example of the distillery's craftsmanship. Its complex nose, robust palate, and long finish make it a delight for any whisky enthusiast. The addition of water reveals even more layers, showcasing its fruity and floral notes. Winning the Best Cask Strength Whisky Award in 2004 is a testament to its outstanding quality. This bottle is a rare gem that reflects the rich history and unique style of the Brora distillery.