Brora 31 yo (1972/2003), Old & Rare – The Platinum Selection, 49.3%

Introduction

Brora 31-year-old (1972/2003) is a rare testament to one of Scotland’s most revered “lost distilleries,” closed in 1983 and renowned for producing some of the most collectable and distinctive Highland malts in whisky history.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Scottish barley and pure Highland spring water from the Highlands of Scotland, reflecting the terroir of the coastal Sutherland region
• Distillation process: Traditional copper pot still distillation at the original Brora distillery (formerly known as Clynelish) in 1972, when the distillery was still producing its signature lightly peated style
• Maturation: Aged for 31 years in carefully selected oak casks, allowing the whisky to develop exceptional depth and character through three decades of maturation in the Scottish climate
• Special techniques: Hand-selected by Douglas Laing’s expert team for their premium Platinum Selection series, bottled at natural cask strength of 49.3% without chill filtration to preserve its authentic character

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Complex maritime notes with gentle peat smoke, waxy honeycomb, tropical fruits, and subtle coastal brine complemented by antique leather and beeswax polish
• Palate: Rich, oily mouthfeel with layers of sweet vanilla, stewed orchard fruits, and distinctive Brora waxy character balanced by gentle smokiness, sea salt, and warming spices
• Finish: Exceptionally long and evolving with lingering notes of sweet peat, dried fruits, oak spice, and a touch of coastal salinity that speaks to its Highland coastal origins

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped nosing glass or Glencairn whisky glass to concentrate the complex aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat with a few drops of spring water to open up the complex flavors; allow 15-20 minutes in the glass before tasting to fully appreciate its depth
• Food pairings: Given its rarity and complexity, this whisky is best savored alone as a contemplative dram, though dark chocolate with high cocoa content can complement its profile

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 49.3% ABV
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Highland region, Sutherland
• Certifications/Awards: Part of Douglas Laing’s prestigious Old & Rare – The Platinum Selection, recognized by collectors and critics as among the finest expressions of historic Brora

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This Brora 31-year-old represents one of the last opportunities to taste the authentic character of this legendary closed distillery, widely considered among the greatest Highland malts ever produced.

With extremely limited bottles in existence and the permanent closure of the original Brora distillery in 1983, each bottle represents an increasingly rare chance to own a piece of Scotch whisky heritage.

Revered by whisky authorities and master distillers worldwide, Brora’s distinct profile of waxy character and gentle smoke has influenced an entire generation of distillers trying to recapture its inimitable style.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whisky collectors and connoisseurs globally recognize 1970s Brora as representing the pinnacle of traditional Highland malt production, with auction prices reflecting its extraordinary reputation among enthusiasts.

Whisky enthusiasts who commit to experiencing Brora often find themselves on a journey to explore all known bottlings, as its distinctive character becomes a benchmark against which other malts are measured.

The inclusion in Douglas Laing’s prestigious Old & Rare Platinum Selection confirms this whisky’s exceptional quality, selected by some of the industry’s most respected independent bottlers for their flagship series.

From Brora’s Silent Stills to You

This bottle offers the gift of experiencing a genuine piece of Scottish distilling heritage that cannot be replicated, despite many modern attempts to recreate Brora’s signature style.

The passionate craftspeople who created this spirit at Brora, alongside the patient guardianship of Douglas Laing’s team, have preserved a remarkable sensory connection to Scotland’s rich distilling past.

By acquiring this bottle, you join an exclusive community of Brora custodians who appreciate and preserve the legacy of one of Scotland’s most revered distilleries for future generations of whisky enthusiasts.