Review by: Raygun

Now known as Braeval, this is a fairly new distillery, opening as Braes of Glenlivet in 1972. The name change happened in 1994, and one suspects a lawsuit or the threat of one had something to do with it. Now owned by Pernod Ricard, it probably mostly goes to Ballantine’s or Chivas Regal because they barely release any as single malt. Even IBs aren’t so common. Which is a shame, as the few have had have all been at least good. So I thought I’d take the opportunity to find out what old Braes was like when I came across this 1977 distillate. Rested about 10 minutes. 

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Distillery: Braes of Glenlivet (Braeval)

Bottler: Hart Brothers

Region/style: Speyside single malt Scotch

ABV: 43%. 

Age: 20 years. Distilled in 1977. 

Cask type: Unstated. There’s a Madeira cask from that year, but I’m pretty sure this is the bourbon release.   

Color: Too dark to see. 

Price: 20€ for 4cl

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Nose: Orange, lemon, apricot. Wood polish and furniture store. Old books. Something kind of mushroom-y. 

Palate: This is kind of fun. Interesting woody flavor that comes out somewhat leathery. Caramel sauce with vanilla ice cream. Orange with a nutty flavor. Almond is closest. Quite woody for something that isn’t that old, but not too tannic. Has a spice quality that’s hard to pin down, but works well. 

Finish: Vanilla, caramel, and wood shavings. Hints of Moroccan tagine with orange and apricot. Interesting spice flavor, somewhere between Moroccan and Indian. Got this odd aftertaste that I’m digging. 

Conclusion: This is fun. Different, for sure. Braeval flies under the radar for sure. I’ve liked the few I’ve had, and this is better than I imagined it would be. Distilled just a few years after the distillery started up. The mix of sweet and savory spice reminds me of Middle Eastern and Indian food, something in that neighborhood. Nice complexity.   
Buy a bottle? Don’t imagine I’ll find this, but I need some Braeval at some point.   

Score: 81

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)