Brora 20 Years 1975/1995
A bottle from the hall of fame of Scotch whisky: Brora distilled in 1975, bottled in 1995 as part of United Distillers' legendary Rare Malts Selection. 20 years of maturation at a hefty 54.9 % ABV, natural cask strength. Brora went silent in 1983 for four decades – every remaining bottle is a piece of whisky history, priced accordingly.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Pineapple and bright tropical fruit, dragon fruit, with a clear mineral-maritime note and a hint of smoke. Citrus, mango and peach drape over the top, carried by honey and – yes, glorious – a pronounced waxiness that instantly recalls the old Highland classics.
Palate
Juicy and lemony on the entry, followed by a touch of iodine and maritime freshness. Papaya, mango and peach bring sweetness, a slightly waxy texture coats the mouth. The journey runs from sweet through gently sour into iodine territory – seriously epic. A fresh mint kick flashes in the background.
Finish
Spicy with plenty of oak, turning sweet-salty – like salted peanuts with a sugar crust. A long lingering finish that keeps the breath warm.
Thoughts
Marcel94/100 - (World class)
This one was properly wild. Feels like a journey from Clynelish to Talisker in a single glass. Pure joy – this whisky is straight-up fun.
More about Marcel →
Sascha91/100 - (World class)
Beautifully balanced between salty and sweet, mild and rounded at the same time, but also spicy and challenging. I like that.
More about Sascha →Value for Money: 0/5 (No rating)
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
Wolfburn Langskip
When it comes to honest, unadulterated whiskies, the Wolfburn Langskip is a real insider tip at a very good price. The still young Wolfburn distillery, based in the far north of Scotland near Thurso, brings a statement to the glass with this strong representative that experienced connoisseurs in particular will appreciate: blunt, direct, sweet - and full of character.
Glen Garioch 21 Years (2003/2024) - Wu DRAM Clan
For the first time ever in the history of the Glen Garioch distillery, located in the Scottish Highlands, a single malt has been launched that was created in partnership by the independent bottler Wu DRAM Clan from Germany and the distillery. The Wu DRAM Clan is known for exquisite bottlings and so it is not surprising that the bottling was sold out within a few minutes.
Old Pulteney 12 Years (2023)
The Old Pulteney 12 years is a single malt whisky from the Scottish Highlands, more precisely from the Pulteney Distillery in the coastal town of Wick. With a maturation period of 12 years and an alcohol content of 40% vol., it is considered an accessible classic that is particularly interesting for whisky newcomers.
Oban The Macleans Young Teddy (2023)
Whiskies tell stories. Some shout, with drums and fanfare. Others whisper – and yet their echoes linger in memory. Oban The Macleans Young Teddy (2023) belongs to the latter. A limited edition from the storied Oban Distillery in the Scottish Highlands – boldly bottled at 50.8% ABV, but without an age statement. And perhaps that’s the first clue: this whisky doesn’t aim to impress with numbers but with character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rare Malts Selection?
The Rare Malts Selection was a series from United Distillers (today Diageo) that released unfiltered, cask-strength single malts from closed or rare distilleries between 1995 and 2005. It's now considered one of the most important sources for legendary Brora, Port Ellen and Rosebank releases.
Why is Brora so expensive?
The distillery was closed in 1983 and stayed silent for more than forty years. Remaining stocks from the 1970s are strictly limited and in extreme demand on the secondary market, pushing prices far beyond what other Highland malts command.
What does a typical 1970s Brora taste like?
Classic Brora combines a waxy texture, tropical fruit, honey and a maritime-mineral salt note with light smoke. This stylistic mix of Clynelish-style wax and coastal robustness is what built the distillery's cult status.
