Which Brora?

[Son-o'-the-Sod(?)]

I'm thinking about picking up a bottle of Brora 30-year-old single malt but I'm undecided between several of their "editions" or "releases", namely the 2004 ("3rd" edition/release?), 2007 or 2009. Due to the high prices of these 30-year-olds I'm limited to buying ONE bottle (yes, wouldn't we all like to have each year's release!!), so I want to be sure I'm making the best overall choice. Is there an appreciable difference between years, aside from the ABV, type of cask, etc. - or are they all good, and worth the $$$? (Maybe a subjective question.) Any experts care to weigh in?

[bkblankenship]

Originally Posted by Son-o'-the-Sod(?)

I'm thinking about picking up a bottle of Brora 30-year-old single malt but I'm undecided between several of their "editions" or "releases", namely the 2004 ("3rd" edition/release?), 2007 or 2009. Due to the high prices of these 30-year-olds I'm limited to buying ONE bottle (yes, wouldn't we all like to have each year's release!!), so I want to be sure I'm making the best overall choice. Is there an appreciable difference between years, aside from the ABV, type of cask, etc. - or are they all good, and worth the $$$? (Maybe a subjective question.) Any experts care to weigh in?

In general, BRORA ( aka CLYNELISH I ) bottlings on the OB side and the Independent bottling side are good. There are several exceptional 30-Year-Old OB's; Releases 2003, 2004, & 2005. The 2006 as well. I have had the 2007 as well as the other aforementioned but I did not find it had the depth of the others. I had the 2009 Release at Clynelish earlier this year and I was not impressed at all. I could not with a clear conscience spend 250 Pounds on what I considered a mediocre dram. To date I have not had the 2010 Release but word-of-mouth gives it good reviews. You have a lot of good choices; so good luck.

[p_froes]

The 2004 is the best of all the releases imho. It's definitely the peatiest of the series and has huge farmy notes.