Braes of Glenlivet 1979/1995 Signatory Vintage 15 years old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 43%

Some distilleries never become household names on the shelf. They work quietly, supply malt for other people's blends, and only rarely let a single bottle out on its own. Braes of Glenlivet is one of them.

Expert Description

Braes of Glenlivet 1979/1995 Signatory Vintage 15 Year Old is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky, matured in sherry casks and bottled at 43%.

The whisky comes from the Braes of Glenlivet distillery, today known as Braeval, rarely seen bottled as a single malt since most of its production traditionally goes into blends. This release was distilled on 6 June 1979 and bottled by the independent bottler Signatory Vintage in May 1995 from two sherry casks (cask no. 16042 and 16043), after 15 years of maturation. Only 1,200 bottles were released in Signatory Vintage's classic dumpy bottle, making it a sought-after collector's item from a distillery rarely seen in this form.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Dark amber with a reddish tint, and an aroma of roasted nuts, dark berries, raisins, leather and old orange peel, in a complex and harmonious sherry nose with a hint of tobacco and herbs.

Palate

Soft and full with dates, raisins, old oak and black pepper, carried by leather, a light sulphur note, tobacco, menthol and a touch of liquorice.

Finish

Long and warm with dark fruit and a lingering sherry character.

Specifications

Name: 1979/1995
Distillery: Braes of Glenlivet (Braeval)
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 15 Years
ABV: 43%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Sherry Casks, cask no. 16042 and 16043
Distilled: 06.06.1979
Bottled: 05.1995
Number of bottles: 1,200 bottles
Edition: Signatory Vintage Dumpy Bottle

Flavour Profile

Sherry-matured · Full-bodied · Spiced · Old-school

Investment Potential

High. Braes of Glenlivet, today Braeval, is very rarely bottled as a single malt, and a vintage bottling from 1979 with only 1,200 bottles is exactly the kind of release that rises sharply in demand among collectors of closed or rarely seen distilleries.

Did You Know?

Braes of Glenlivet officially changed its name to Braeval in 1994, precisely to avoid confusion with The Glenlivet, yet bottles like this one, released before the name change had fully taken hold, still carry the original name.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Braes of Glenlivet 1979/1995 Signatory Vintage

What is the difference between Braes of Glenlivet and The Glenlivet?

They are two entirely separate distilleries. Braes of Glenlivet, today known as Braeval, sits in the same valley but is an independent distillery whose production is mostly used in blends and rarely bottled as a single malt.

Is this whisky worth the money?

With only 1,200 bottles from a distillery almost never seen as a single malt, and an age of 15 years from a vintage all the way back in 1979, this bottle carries a rarity not often found at this level.

Why did the distillery change its name to Braeval?

The 1994 name change was intended to avoid confusion with the far better-known The Glenlivet, which sits in the same area.

What does "dumpy bottle" mean?

It refers to Signatory Vintage's classic, slightly shorter and wider bottle shape, used by the bottler for several of its older vintage releases in the 1990s.

Should this whisky be enjoyed neat or with water?

At 43% it can easily be enjoyed neat, but a few drops of water can soften the light sulphur note and draw out more of the fruit and leather.

Does this whisky suit a collector?

Yes, the combination of a rarely seen distillery, an old vintage and a low bottle count makes it a fitting addition to a collection of closed or rarely seen Scottish distilleries.