p4blo did not rate this whisky

Brora 37 yo 1977/2015 (50.4%, OB, Special Release, 2,976 bottles)
High expectations, high expectations… Especially since the 35 yo
bottled in 2013 was a 1977 as well, and fetched a well-deserved 95
points mark in my little book. Colour: gold. Nose: Brora seems to be
indestructible. I can well imagine in 2037, on Whiskyfun, a 65 years old
1972 Special Release being tasted. Stocks are said to be low, but they
always said that, and they still managed to vat around ten casks this
year. The result is amazing, curiously softer than the G&M and more
herbal, more coastal as well, and perhaps a little smokier too. Less
sherry for sure, so less tobacco and chocolate. There are the trademark
farmy touches (hay), then oysters and chartreuse, then more resinous
notes, between pinesap and artisan absinth. Astounding complexity, as
expected. With water: superb sappy oil extracts. Old candle, linoleum,
bandages, embrocations, verbena, wormwood… and mud. Mouth (neat): huge,
ashy, almost drying, in a good way. This one reminds us that 1977 was
still a peaty year at Brora. More absinth, tarry smoke, liquorice,
salted fish, with a mouth feel that’s becoming oilier and creamier.
Touches of salted chestnut honey, which gives it a Chinese side, in a
way. Huge whisky. With water: exceptional. Dry, coastal, liquoricy,
herbal, both fat and chiselled. The best cough syrup ever. Finish:
perhaps not extremely long, but all these herbs, liquorice and cough
drops just work in sync. It’s the freshness that’s most impressive.
Comments: one of 2015’s grands crus, no doubt, together with some of the
Karuizawas. Hey, next time, could someone sell a blend of Karuizawa and
Brora? You could call it either Karuibrora or Brorazawa. I’m sure that
would make it to 97 points if it’s well made, serious. Hint, hint, John
Glaser… In any case, this one beats last year’s in my book. SGP:465 - 95 points.