Brora 30 Years Old The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show 2011

from a purchased sample

Nose: Ash/coal, mixed along with those farmy notes -- both cheese and dung. A bit more waxy lemon, oil, almonds (dull, raw slivers), custard, and menthol. Almost orange sherbert. Definitely these light citric fruits - grapefruit, blood oranges, and kumquats. (with water) Brings out everything. More, more, more! This doesn't just swim well, it surpasses Michael Phelps. Let's just stop here and see how it fares in the mouth.

Palate: Little sharp and bitter, and that incredible oily waxiness (is wax oily?) with the usual ashy cover and lemon zest and rind. Honey, stale nuts, cheese, and barnyard. If it was on the nose, it's here. I love those whiskies that live up to the nose. (with water) Spicier, white wine, oils, almond skins, and... you get the idea. Stunning.

Finish: Just top notch and follows up on everything else. My job here is done.

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