Brora 1982 33 Year Rare Old (Gordon & Macphail)

Distilled 1982, bottled 2015 (Lot #RO/15/01) Nose: The aroma of this whisky is beyond words and is among the finest I've encountered. It begins with beeswax, modeling clay, plasticine, apricot liqueur, musk rose incense, pine needles, ripe peach, old leather, freshly juiced green apples, mint, and vanilla essence. These elements interact in complex ways, appearing and disappearing, creating a never-ending carnival of avant-garde sensory delight. After about half an hour, a blend of rich fruit pudding, orange zest, warm ginger-nut cookies, and a waxy brine note emerges, with a faint echo of delicate smoke throughout this captivating introduction. [The dry glass aroma is leather, vanilla, and old fragrant sawdust]. Palate: The palate is a subtle experience, just as intricate and varied as the nose, but with more focused characters. This is like a recitation by mature, dignified characters who are calm, authoritative, and seasoned, yet hint at fiery, youthful energy. Their story is initially sweetly spicy and simple, but quickly becomes fruity, mineral, oily, and nutty, proving too complex to grasp in one tasting. There's a sense of immense depth and complexity as the narrative unfolds. Descriptions of green tea ice cream with baked banana drizzled with lightly salted caramel sauce are delivered in dusky, musky tones. Coconut, sweet chewing tobacco, beeswax, peach, and apricot now appear, with regal, refined, richly textured, and seductive dialogue. [The 46% abv is unnoticeable, the performance is so captivating]. Finish: Medium. The experience concludes with a warm and satisfying resolution, simultaneously gently drying, fruity sweet, and reminiscent of oak tannins that have mellowed into a gentle savory/sweet potpourri. The finale isn't particularly long but fades perfectly into soft leathery sweetness, leaving a subtle yet lasting impression of fine mature oak. A perfect dryness balances the sweet flavors throughout. [The dryness is mainly felt at the tip of the tongue and roof of the mouth]. An unforgettable evening's entertainment. "Outstanding": 92/100 (5 stars)

I compared Brora and Port Ellen Johnnie Walker Editions side-by-side previously, and the Port Ellen clearly won. It possessed more character and funkiness, which I appreciated. This time with the G&M Editions, the Brora emerged victorious. The Port Ellen's character was still present but seemed quite diminished. The Brora, however, had more substance. It offered sweet, creamy vanilla and considerably more of it (a friend has covered it extensively!). The cask treatment was executed better on this one. That said, it still didn't astound me. A pleasant dram, but not among my top 20%. Nice to experience another piece of unblended history. Now, on to the Dallas Dhu to complete the ghost trio!