Whisky: Braeval 23 Year (1997) SMWS 113.42 "Forest Foraging"

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 56.7%

Cask: Refill Bourbon Hogshead

Age: 23 Years (Distilled 30 Sept. 1997)

Nose: Stewed fruit, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, walnut, pastry dough, vanilla creme pat, hints of dried apricots and citrus zest, old beechwood, subtle moss and wood ear mushroom.

Palate: Medium-bodied, honey, ginger, ginseng, lemon, earthy, cinnamon and spice, dried fruit and honeycomb at the end, buttercream, spirited on occasion.

Finish: Medium-length and spirited with honey and earth.

Score: 7

Mental Image: Hipster Squirrel Cupcake Shop

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was fruity with a well-balanced not-too-sweet profile of stewed fruits and fresh ginger. Holiday spices arrived shortly behind with nutmeg, cinnamon, walnuts, and buttery pastry dough. A subtle vanilla gradually took hold with pastry cream, a dish of dried apricots, cherries, and berries, while hints of citrus zest and old beechwood counters hung in the background with an undercurrent of earthy forest moss and wood ear mushroom. Medium-bodied, the flavor profile was loaded with ginger, ginseng, lemon, and honey— a healthy tonic. A lovely earthiness clung to the ginger as more subtle notes of cinnamon, cayenne, and coriander floated in the background. Dried fruits waited on the back end as apricots, kiwis, and honeycomb lingered at the end with buttercream. The finish was medium-length with a tingling spirit, honey, and an underlying earthiness.

Braeval is not a malt I come across very often— before this, I had only tried it twice; once was excellent, but the other left a lot to be desired. So I was unsure what to expect from this mature offering from SMWS. It reminded me of a cross between Miltonduff and Glenburgie, as the malt had a lovely creaminess that paired well with earthy spices and arboreal impressions.

Overall, an interesting malt. Not one I could see myself in the mood for very often, but undoubtedly delicious. It struck me as an excellent dessert sipper.

Image Credit: SMWSA