Ultra-rare Brora Triptych release
TO COINCIDE WITH DISTILLERY
REOPENING THIS MAY
After three years of renovation spearheaded by owner Diageo, Scottish silent distillery Brora, which ceased operating in 1983, is set to reopen this May. The spirits group is releasing the Brora Triptych rare whisky collection in 50cl bottles to mark the occasion
Timeless Original Elusive Legacy Age of Peat
Brora today revealed a one-off special release of three extremely rare Single Malt whiskies, each representing a distinct style of Brora’s proud and storied heritage. From mid-May, upon the completion of the restoration of Brora distillery, the Brora Triptych will be available, in celebration of its return.
The Brora Triptych, a
£30,000 collection of rare single malt Scotch whiskies from Highlands
distillery Brora (Diageo), consists of three expressions – Elusive Legacy (48
years old), Age of Peat (43 years old) and Timeless Original (38 years old).
They will be sold in 500 ml bottles!
The whiskies are housed in
handblown decanters (Glencairn Crystal Studio) made from 30% lead crystal – the
glass distribution and fill level was carefully calculated to be the same
across all three decanters in each set. Hand-engraved and infilled, the
decanters feature the Brora emblem on the facing and coloured detail that
echoes the stoppers. Indeed, this project marks the first time Glencairn used a
new — and confidential — decoration process to colour coat to the metal stopper
components. The colours are meant to replicate stone effects: amber with a gold
polished brass top for the Elusive Legacy 48 years old, for example, and
turquoise featuring a copper top for the Timeless Original 38 years old.
In 1983, a small Highlands
distillery fell silent and the doors of the stillhouse locked. The distillery
workers that had crafted spirit within it put down their tools and walked away,
for what they thought would be for good. A distillery suspended in time for
thirty-eight years, Brora will soon open its gates once again, after three
years of meticulous brick by brick restoration.
Each collectible set of
the Brora Triptych will be accompanied by a personal invitation from Brora’s
Master Distiller Stewart Bowman to visit and experience Brora first-hand. Born
in the town of Brora and with a long family connection to the distillery,
Bowman worked alongside a host of artisans, whisky-makers and archivists in the
restoration of the distillery buildings and its whisky and will carefully
oversee the creation of new Brora spirit upon its return.
A three-piece whisky set,
intended to be appreciated together, this Brora Triptych is a showcase of the
distillery’s most famous three styles. Master Blender Dr. Craig Wilson has
selected the vintage Single Malt whiskies in the Triptych. These whiskies are
some of the very last precious relics from a Brora of bygone age. Each one
represents a moment in time at the distillery and tasting these superb whiskies
is to be part of a special moment in history. When selecting the casks for
these rare bottlings, Brora wanted to celebrate those distinct characteristics
that defined it, and those sought to uphold as a new chapter in its story is
launched.
The first in the Brora
Triptych, Elusive Legacy, is a 48-Year-Old and the oldest ever public release
from the distillery. A very rare style from casks of 1972, this whisky
represents an earthy expression of Brora, much sought after as it was only
created in short periods throughout the distillery’s history. Warm chestnut in
colour, there is a delicate aroma which blends wood spice with hints of peach
tarte tatin, amidst a powerful rich maltiness.
The second, Age of Peat,
is a 43-Year-Old heavily peated expression drawn from casks of 1977. This is a
classic Brora style from the late 70’s, and one of the only examples of a
highly-peated Highland whisky from that era. The few casks that were left from
this phase matured remarkably well and the whisky is multi-layered and complex.
Intensely deep and golden, this expression is elegant on the nose with creamy
vanilla invigorated by freshly cut green apples and hints of beeswax, before a
long, sweet finish of peat-fired smokiness.
Finally, Timeless
Original, is a 38-Year-Old, from limited stocks of 1982 and represents the
distinct waxiness that made Brora famous. This more modern and refined style
returns to lower peating levels, reflective of Brora whisky before the Age of
Peat. Glowing yellow gold in hue, sherberty lemon peel, and a touch of fresh
green grass dance on the nose.
The three Single Malt
whiskies are presented in one beautiful presentation case, inspired by Brora’s
surrounding coastlines. Each crystal bottle is completed with Glencairn crystal
stoppers, and the cabinet, built from ash wood all sourced in the UK, was
crafted by Master Cabinetmaker and Royal Warrant Holder N. E. J. Stevenson.
Never before have three
styles of Brora been released in one collector’s set and the Brora Triptych is
an unparalleled capsule of the original and historic Brora stocks. Released at
the same time as the distillery reopens, this once-in-a-generation collector’s
set will be available globally for purchase directly from the distillery,
Brora.com and specialty retailers starting in mid-May 2021.
No comments:
Post a Comment