Braeval 1994 22 Year Old (Samaroli)

So, our small group of distillery tasters has concluded our journey with the last 10 distilleries to select: two for each person in our seventh round of exchanges. After a multitude of unremarkable malts, I decided I wanted to offer two superior pours to wrap this up. We had an agreement to spend no more than approximately $100-110 per bottle for this quest, but I indulged for this independently bottled Braeval selection. Samaroli is an Italian bottling firm that typically selects exceptional casks for their product line. This particular one is a 22-year-old, from an ex-bourbon cask that I purchased for $209. Let's see how it fares... First, a brief history of the Braeval Distillery. They were established in 1973 by Seagram Distillers and were initially named Braes of Glenlivet, due to their intention to utilize the well-known water source nearby. They actually conducted their first mash before the distillery was even completed- their Canadian owner was arriving by plane and wanted to sample some new make spirit right away. They were sold to Chivas in 2001 and subsequently closed from 2002-2008, before being renovated and reopened. They currently do not release a single malt bottling, but a few IBs had access to some casks in the early 1990s. They are presently still used for blends and produce 4.2 million liters annually for Chivas. This presents as a beautiful, shimmering gold and forms many thin, rapid legs in the tasting glass. It is unfiltered and has no color added, while being bottled at 45% ABV. The aroma is at first floral and oaky, but with significant time (30+ minutes) some truly wonderful flavors start to emerge: vanilla, marshmallow, sweet baked goods, and light orchard fruit. The taste is very subtle but delivers a lot of flavor: pears, Golden Delicious apples, sweet vanilla that is luxuriously smooth and consistent. Allowing it to rest on the tongue permits the oak to slightly sting before becoming somewhat dry. The finish is medium and full-bodied. It's very well-balanced between oaky and sweet notes. It lingers on the drier side, but it's not harsh at all. A very subtle and intricate sip from beginning to end. In summary, it's an outstanding offering from Samaroli and I understand its high cost. This was bottle number 101 of a total of 222. It won't astound you with immense complexity, but what it provides is exceptionally pleasing. Easily a 4.25-4.5 rating, irrespective of cost. Excellent spirit. Best wishes, my acquaintances.

This is stop number 106 on the SDT, featuring Braeval. This stop marks the final destination of the tour (at least for active distilleries with bottles on the market). What a journey it’s been...over a year and a half, and it concludes with this 22-year-old single malt from independent bottlers Samaroli. This Speysider is bottled at 45% ABV and is non-chill filtered with natural color, appearing yellow-gold. The nose opens with green grapes, crisp red apples, pears, apricots, and oak. Vanilla custard with a little lemon zest and very faint banana. After a few minutes, a malty character emerges with floral notes and a touch of honey. It's also a bit salty, like a pretzel. Powdered ginger, nutmeg, hazelnut, and walnuts. Toffee, more vanilla and oak, and a very distant coffee note. Adding water softens everything and brings out a very light grapefruit note and some semisweet chocolate. Be warned, though, this one is easily overwhelmed. The palate is quite delicious initially with dried apricots, oranges, and baked apples. A sweetness like raspberry or strawberry candy. As the flavors develop on the tongue, it moves away from its sweet/fruity beginnings. More and more heat builds, and it becomes slightly bitter: black licorice, oak tannins, and ginger. Some vanilla and toffee round it out. Water reduces the heat but not the bitterness. A medium-bodied mouthfeel that is lightly oily and coats the mouth. A medium-long finish that is dry with tannins, grape skins, apricots, and licorice. At over $200, this is a hard pass, but overall, it's a good whisky. No real shortcomings on the nose, but the palate falls just a bit short. It's a typical Speyside profile, executed rather well, with the cask (first fill bourbon) doing much of the work. It's not quite a 4 for me, but a solid 3.75. Thanks to a friend for the sample. Cheers

Still working through accumulated samples. Since I only drink on weekends, I have a large backlog. So, this Saturday, I'm contentedly alone, finishing the last few episodes of The Mandalorian. As I watch and take notes, the pour sits in a glass, open. Pale gold in color. The initial aromas are soft, floral, and delicate. Slightly woody with hints of ginger root. As it sits, sweeter notes begin to emerge: vanilla cream soda, toasted marshmallow, banana custard. There's also a fruity aspect: apples, apricots, and diced pear cocktail (think Dole pears in syrup). A slight briny, yeasty quality works its way into the mix. The nose is complex but organized; there's a structure to it. The body is thin, which is unexpected given the nose. However, the palate is flavorful. Orchard fruits again: apples, pears, and apricots. Honey and vanilla add a slight sweetness. As the sweet and fruity flavors develop, a small amount of spice tingles the front of the palate: cinnamon, ginger root, and white pepper. These spices don't detract from the sweetness; they actually enhance it. The finish has tangerine throughout its medium length. Mixed with the tangerine is an oaky dryness and the themed orchard fruits. This is an approachable and pleasurable whisky. The nose and flavors are solid and inoffensive. This scotch will not disappoint. However, given the price of about $250, I would expect more from the palate and finish. That said, it is a quality product and will not disappoint. Thanks to a friend for sharing this with me and the rest of the SDT members. [90/100][Tasted: 2/1/20]

Finally revisiting these samples from SDT after a two-week vacation exploring the English lakes and countryside. This particular one was provided by a friend. It's another distillery I hadn't heard of, but unlike the other unfamiliar ones, I genuinely like this one. Perhaps it's the age, the bottler (Samaroli always had a good eye for quality casks), or simply being home after two weeks of abstinence (not counting the samples at Lakes and Cotswolds Distillery). It's packed with nuts and fruits. Imagine a large amount of roasted hazelnuts mixed with strawberry and clotted cream (which, by the way, is incredible in England's Cotswold District!). I'm not sure what my friend paid for it, but if the price is reasonable (

Great nose from the get-go! Roses and medium level fruit are prominent. Subtle tropical notes are even there. Marshmallow and sawdust on the side, and a nice segue to the palate. White pepper, a little brine, caramel, vanilla, and a little mineral note on the tail end for the finish. It's not too off-putting though, and the finish is a medium one, and it has an overall nice medium mouth coat. With it being non-chill filtered, as well as not having any added color, I think a friend got a nice deal on the price, even around 200ish. A nice 22 year old indeed. Solid 4.25 and the theme to this dram is "Disco 2000" by Pulp. Starts out happy enough, but sad when it's over.

This sample from a friend was one of several holiday treats I'm documenting from my notes. The initial aroma was an incredible array of tropical fruits: papaya, guava, pineapple, mango. It diminished somewhat after resting in the glass, but that initial burst was arguably the fruitiest whiskey I've encountered. The taste, however, is quite different: creamy and malty at first, then long and peppery in the finish, with lingering notes of fresh bread and black tea. Fruit, dairy, bread, tea - skip the granola and enjoy a Braeval breakfast.