One of the 2017 Special Releases from Diageo, this Highland single malt was distilled at the now closed Brora distillery in 1982 before being filled to refill American oak hogsheads. Matured for 34 years and bottled in 2017, only 3,000 individually numbered bottles have been released worldwide at a cask strength of 51.9% abv.The nose is maritime and mineral with dried seaweed, waxed apples, and spice. Turmeric and peeled bark give way to barley sugar and orange juice. The palate starts sweet, with only a little waxiness, sharp fruits, chilli and black pepper developing into dark chocolate and apple with a touch of aniseed. The finish is spicy-sweet with chocolate, barley sugar and aniseed.

After 36 years of closure, Brora is celebrating a momentous reopening of the mystical distillery. This is a truly special bottling to mark the occasion, with just 300 sets available to purchase. A release of this kind will not be possible to replicate for another half century, or at least the year 2070.

Brora Triptych showcases a set of the three eras that epitomise Brora. Each liquid is a celebration of restoration and an ode to the rare characteristics that define Brora whisky; waxy, peated and earthy. A collection of three vintages that define Brora never before released at once, this is a true collector’s piece.

ELUSIVE LEGACY (42.8% abv)

A rare style from casks of 1972, this whisky represents an earthy expression, only created in short periods throughout the distillery’s history. This fleeting icon has grown to becoming a defining character from Brora.

A strong aroma blends wood spice with hints of peach tarte Tatin on the nose. The taste takes off amidst a powerful rich maltiness, notes of Serrano ham, menthol and tobacco adding an intense complexity. The flavours give way to pervasive sichuan chilli pepper, before a wisp of dry coal smoke lingers long after the finish.

AGE OF PEAT (48.6% abv)

Brora’s Age Of Peat, between 1972-1980, saw peating levels rise to meet soaring demand for blended whiskies. Highland whiskies were not renowned for their high levels of peat at this time. Today we celebrate these whiskies in their own right, with an expression drawn from casks of 1977.

This expression is elegant on the nose with creamy vanilla, invigorated by freshly cut green apples and hints of beeswax. A sweetness washes over the palate, before a wave of wood spice and ginger cake unfolds. Finally a long, sweet finish of peat-fires smokiness blooms in intensity.

TIMELESS ORIGINAL (47.5% abv)

This expression is from limited stocks of 1982 and represents the distinct waxiness that made Brora famous. Returning to lower peating levels, reflective of Brora whisky before the age of peat, this signature style allows Brora’s waxy character to truly sing.

Sherberty lemon peel, and a touch of fresh green grass dance on the nose. Wood spice is gently revealed on the palate, whilst a mouth-coating waxiness is punctuated by hints of citronella. Its graceful sweetness continues into the finish, with just a hint of lingering gunpowder smokiness.