Brora 30 Year Old / Bot.2005

Nose:  A deep, rich and complex nose. First impressions are robust and maritime – of a salmon smokery, seaweed, tar and even waxed oilskins. Then come salty-smooth food notes of melted butter and dried Serrano ham, plus dry orange peel and espresso coffee. Water raises more wax; some sweetness and smoke are still evident too.

Body: Substantial. Full and smooth.

Palate: Starts sweetly and can be enjoyed at natural strength with plenty of smoke and an oily, textured feel (more waxed jackets). When water is added it remains smooth, chunky and mouth-filling, with a pleasing maritime saltiness and acidity to follow the initial sweetness and plenty of scented smoke to come.

Finish: Long and maritime, with notes of linseed oil, white pepper, and fragrant peat smoke.