Brora 34 Yo Special Release 2017

The reputation of Brora between 1969 and 1983 has gone from strength to strength, with sought-after bottlings now changing hands for large sums. This is 16th in the Special Releases series and was matured in refill American oak hogsheads. Tasting note: Bright gold. Still fresh after so much time, with a wonderfully, floral-soft bouquet exhibiting stewed pear, hints of exotic wood-smoke (cardamom, cigar box) as well as light beeswax. Exceptionally intense with a saturate of oily malt; Pear tart and waxy / oily / peppery notes flood the mouth. Some flare to this, especially at the finish, with waxy apple, cardamom and pepper warmth kicking in. Certainly no peat bomb. Not too dissimilar to recent releases, so pretty classic, but feels lighter. Still more years ahead of it. 51.9% Alc./Vol. 3000 bottles Other reviews… Ripe pears and vanilla on the nose; progressively more perfumed, with developing toffee notes. Slightly waxy on the palate, with fresh-squeezed lemon and sweet background smoke contrasting with spicy dark berries. Plain chocolate, sultanas, and raisins in the medium-length finish. A relatively restrained Brora.