A brorgasm or the lost session

December 20, 2013

A brorgasm or the lost session (apologies)

Apple used to make some reliable devices and software, but I think their upgrades - actually downgrades - just mess everything up. One example, this Brora session that, thanks to Time Machine, has been lost because my automatic backups just didn't work, while it was nowhere to be seen that, well, they had not worked. So for the first and hopefully for the last time, I'll have to quote from memory... Thank Vishnu I remember these babies and their scores quite well.

Brora 1982/2010 (43%, Gordon & MacPhail, Connoisseurs Choice, refill sherry)

This one was unexpectedly excellent, firmer and bigger than earlier batches of the 1982 CC by G&M that used to be a little weak at times. It had all the trademark mineral and waxy notes as well as the rounded and sweet steawed and fresh fruits that are to be found in most 1982s at Brora. The 43% vol. work well and this is an all-enjoyable Brora despite the fact that it's one of, if not the cheapest Brora around. An excellent surprise, and there's even some 'good smoke'. No, not that one. Solid 87 points material.

Brora 25 yo 1978/2004 (57%, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, #61.2 - actually #61.20, 'Marmalade on burnt toast')

A true sap bomb, very unusual, ridden with camphor, eucalyptus, pine sap, chartreuse, mint and, indeed marmalade and bitter oranges. It's very big, pretty in-your-face Brora, with a good amount of smoke as well. A little wasabi too if I remember well. The coastal side is well there s well, with whiffs of beach bonfire (old wood and dried seaweed). It's to be noted that the number was a mistake, this wonder is well #61.20 and not #61.2. Really wonderful, although I've found much more burning pinewood than 'burnt toast'. And it swims very well, water works a treat. 92 points.

Brora 35 yo 1977/2013 (49.9%, OB, Special Release, 2944 bottles)

It is the 12th release of Brora. Already! An incredible Brora and I couldn't believe it's all from the 1977 vintage, since there are obvious notes of '1972' (and adjacent vintages). So the peat is less discreet than I had thought, while the rest is of an incredible complexity, sometimes soft and elegant, sometimes bigger and full of seashells, oysters, seaweed and tar. I remember having found, both in the nose and in the palate, some verbena, some absinth (that was in the 1978 as well, now I remember) some kippers, smoked salmon and even fish oil, a lot of wax (of course), some grapefruits, some liquorice and a feeling of bone dry white wine of very high quality. And in the finish, a slight smoky and fresh acridness that I simply adored. Having said thatr I have to confess I was a little disappointed because I had hoped Diageo would have granted us with a 40 yo 1972 this year, but in fact I found this new 35 quite... flabbergasting. That, I remember very well. 95 points.

(with thanks to Jon - not to Apple)

Check the index of all Brora I've tasted so far