Brora, a distinguished name in the world of Scotch whisky, is marking the third anniversary of its reopening with a special release: a 44-year-old whisky named "Untold Depths." This momentous occasion celebrates the revival of a distillery that was closed for nearly four decades before being meticulously restored and reopened in 2021.
The Resurgence of Brora
Brora Distillery, nestled in the Highlands of Scotland, originally ceased operations in 1983. Known for its distinctive peated malts, the distillery had built a reputation for crafting complex and flavorful whiskies. The closure left a void in the whisky world, but enthusiasts and collectors always held on to the hope of a revival. That hope was realized in May 2021 when Brora reopened its doors following a comprehensive restoration project spearheaded by Diageo.
The reopening of Brora was more than just a return to production; it was a revival of a historical legacy. The distillery’s unique character and the traditional methods employed in its whisky-making process were preserved, ensuring that the new spirits would carry the same quality and depth as those produced in the past.
"Untold Depths" - A Tribute to the Age of Peat
To celebrate its third anniversary, Brora has introduced "Untold Depths," a 44-year-old whisky distilled in 1977. This release is a tribute to Brora's "age of peat," a period from 1969 to 1981 during which the distillery was renowned for its heavily peated malts. This era is considered one of the most significant in Brora's history, and "Untold Depths" encapsulates the essence of that time.
Dr. Craig Wilson, Brora's Master Blender, eloquently described the whisky: "Untold Depths is a classic pairing of a gentle cask and medium peating which explores the full depth of taste of which Brora is capable. On the nose, the whisky holds waxy hints of fragrant incense and green grape skins drifting through light peat smoke, then dried herbs and scented oil slowly rising through a swirl of buttery toffee. Waxy-smooth, the sweet, lightly fruity taste reaches a long and fragrant finish with a pinch of white pepper."
The whisky was matured in Warehouse No. 1, a revered location within the distillery where many of Brora's most cherished casks have aged. Bottled at 49.1% ABV, this single-cask release is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and the rich heritage of the distillery.
Limited Edition and Exclusive Access
"Untold Depths" is not just a celebration of Brora's past; it is also a rare and exclusive offering. Only 150 bottles of this exquisite whisky have been produced, making it a highly coveted item for collectors and connoisseurs. Priced at £10,000 (approximately $12,750) per bottle, it reflects the premium nature and the exceptional quality of the spirit.
These bottles are available exclusively at the Brora Distillery, adding to their allure. For those fortunate enough to acquire one, it represents not just a purchase but an investment in a piece of whisky history.
The Dawn of New Spirits
In addition to the release of "Untold Depths," Brora is celebrating another significant milestone: the first spirits distilled at the reopened facility have reached the three-year mark. According to Scottish law, this milestone means the spirits can officially be called Scotch whisky. This achievement is a testament to the distillery's successful revival and its commitment to producing high-quality whisky.
These new spirits will continue to mature, developing their flavors and character over time. However, visitors to the distillery have the unique opportunity to sample them as part of the "Eras of Brora" tour. This five-hour tour, priced at £900 (approximately $1,145) per person, offers an immersive experience into Brora's rich history and its bright future.
Andrew Flatt, Brora's distillery host, emphasized the importance of this moment: "Three years since the wildcat gates reopened, our new-make spirit is coming of age. This year, what lies in the casks at Brora can finally be called Scotch whisky. It is an honor to present three different styles of spirit to aficionados, collectors, and fans of Brora who choose to visit our Highland home."
Looking Ahead
The reintroduction of peated malt spirit production at Brora, along with the release of "Untold Depths," signals a promising future for the distillery. It marks a return to the distinctive style that made Brora famous and showcases the distillery's ability to produce exceptional aged Scotch whisky.
Last year, Brora made headlines by donating a 50-year-old single malt, Iris, to the Distillers One of One auction, further demonstrating its commitment to contributing to the whisky community and its heritage.
The release of "Untold Depths" is more than just a celebration of an anniversary; it is a testament to Brora's enduring legacy and its bright future. As the distillery continues to build on its storied past, whisky lovers around the world eagerly await the exceptional spirits that Brora will continue to produce in the years to come.
About Brora Distillery
Brora Distillery, located in the Scottish Highlands, is a storied name in the world of Scotch whisky. Established in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford, later the Duke of Sutherland, the distillery originally bore the name Clynelish. It was built in the town of Brora, in Sutherland, on the northeastern coast of Scotland, where the climate and natural resources are ideal for whisky production. The distillery's early years were marked by its traditional methods of whisky production, contributing to the local economy and establishing a reputation for high-quality single malts.
In the late 1960s, a significant change occurred. A new Clynelish distillery was constructed nearby, and the original distillery was renamed Brora in 1968. This renaming marked the beginning of a new chapter, characterized by a unique style of heavily peated whisky, produced to meet the high demand for peated malts during that period. This period of production saw Brora produce some of its most iconic whiskies, with their distinctive smoky and robust flavors becoming highly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors alike.
Despite its acclaimed production, Brora Distillery faced challenges in the 1980s. The whisky industry was experiencing a downturn, leading to the unfortunate closure of many distilleries, including Brora in 1983. For many years, the distillery lay silent, its remaining stocks becoming increasingly rare and valuable on the secondary market. Brora's legacy, however, continued to grow as whisky enthusiasts and collectors recognized the exceptional quality of its past productions, elevating it to near-mythical status among aficionados.
In a remarkable turn of events, Diageo, the multinational beverage company that owns Brora, announced plans to revive the distillery. After extensive restoration efforts, Brora Distillery reopened in 2021, much to the delight of the whisky community. The revival aimed to honor the distillery's rich heritage by producing whisky in the traditional manner, using the same methods and equipment as the original operation. This resurrection has not only preserved a key piece of Scotland's whisky history but also reintroduced Brora's unique and cherished flavors to a new generation of whisky lovers.
