Brora distillery

Introduction to Brora

A Highland gem reborn

Brora is a legendary Scottish distillery nestled in the coastal village of the same name in the Eastern Highlands. Once considered lost to time, this iconic producer has been meticulously restored to its former glory, creating some of the most sought-after single malt whiskies in the world. Its rebirth represents one of the most significant events in modern Scotch whisky history.

Located in Sutherland, the distillery benefits from the unique Highland terroir, where the bracing North Sea air meets the fertile Scottish countryside, contributing to its distinctive character.

Why we have a soft spot for Brora

At Vault of Spirits, we treasure distilleries with profound heritage and exceptional quality. Brora stands apart for its remarkable resurrection story and its historically significant peated Highland style – a rarity that collectors and connoisseurs have coveted for decades.

The modern Brora maintains faithful adherence to traditional production methods while bringing this storied distillery into the 21st century, creating whiskies that honor the past while looking to the future.

The History Behind Brora

Origin and development

Brora’s story begins in 1819 when it was established as Clynelish by the Marquess of Stafford (later Duke of Sutherland). Founded to create a reliable market for barley produced on his estates, it operated through various changes in ownership until 1967, when a new distillery called Clynelish was built adjacent to the original site.

The original distillery was briefly renamed “Clynelish 2” before becoming “Brora” in 1969. It initially produced a heavily peated spirit to supply blenders during a shortage of Islay whisky. Brora operated until 1983 when economic pressures forced its closure during the industry-wide whisky downturn.

After 38 years of silence, following painstaking restoration efforts by Diageo, Brora triumphantly reopened in May 2021, marking a new chapter in its storied history.

The people behind the legend

Today’s Brora is guided by Master Distiller Stewart Bowman, whose father once worked at the original distillery, creating a poignant connection between past and present. The small team of craftspeople at Brora share an unwavering commitment to authenticity and exceptional quality, respecting the distillery’s heritage while creating new expressions worthy of its name.

The restoration project was championed by Diageo’s rare malts team, who meticulously researched and recreated the exact production methods that made vintage Brora so extraordinary.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to spirit

Production at Brora begins with specially selected Scottish barley, including varieties that would have been used historically. The malting process includes a carefully calibrated level of peat influence – less intense than Islay whiskies but still distinctive enough to create the classic Brora character.

Distillation takes place in the original copper pot stills that were meticulously refurbished during the restoration. These stills, with their distinctive shape and size, are fundamental to creating Brora’s complex spirit profile. The slow, deliberate distillation process allows for maximum copper contact, creating a refined yet characterful new make spirit.

Maturation and aging

Brora’s spirit matures primarily in ex-bourbon American oak casks, with some expressions seeing time in sherry casks. The warehouse location near the North Sea provides ideal maturation conditions, with the coastal influence gradually working its magic on the maturing spirit.

The distillery’s limited production means that each release from modern Brora is precious, with careful cask selection ensuring that every bottle maintains the quality and character that made vintage Brora expressions legendary among collectors.

Selected Products from Brora

Brora 30 Year Old – A window to history

This exceptional expression captures the essence of classic Brora. Notes of gentle smoke, beeswax, tropical fruits, and maritime minerality dance together in perfect harmony. The complex layers unfold gradually, revealing honeyed sweetness balanced by subtle medicinal qualities and a distinctive waxy mouthfeel that is unmistakably Brora.

Brora Elusive Legacy – A collector’s dream

Part of the Prima & Ultima collection, this rare bottling showcases the extraordinary character of long-aged Brora. Expect a profound depth with notes of antique furniture, leather-bound books, crystallized ginger, and delicate wafts of peat smoke. The luxurious, silky texture carries evolving flavors through to an extraordinarily long, contemplative finish – truly a whisky for special moments.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Brora offers exclusive, intimate distillery experiences for dedicated whisky enthusiasts. The tours provide unprecedented access to this historic site, including the original stillhouse, warehouses, and the specially created tasting room. The sampling experience typically includes several expressions that showcase the distinctive Brora character across different ages and cask types.

Due to its small scale and exclusivity, visits to Brora must be arranged well in advance and are among the most coveted distillery experiences in Scotland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brora?

Brora is a historic Highland Scotch whisky distillery that was originally established in 1819, closed in 1983, and spectacularly revived in 2021. It produces limited quantities of premium single malt whisky characterized by a distinctive Highland peated style, waxy texture, and complex fruity notes that have made it a favorite among collectors and connoisseurs.

Where is Brora located?

The distillery is located in the coastal village of Brora in Sutherland, in the Eastern Highlands of Scotland. Its position near the North Sea influences both the production process and the maturation of its whiskies, contributing to its unique terroir-driven character.

What characterizes Brora whisky?

Brora is especially known for its distinctive combination of waxiness, subtle coastal influence, and refined peaty character. Unlike the medicinal peat of Islay whiskies, Brora’s smoke is more heathery and integrated. The spirit also exhibits remarkable complexity with notes of tropical fruits, honey, and spice, all delivered with exceptional balance and depth.

Where can I buy whisky from Brora?

You can find selected releases from Brora at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the finest expressions from this legendary distillery, including both the rare remaining vintage bottles and the exclusive new releases from the revived distillery. Due to their extremely limited nature, Brora whiskies are treasured collector’s items that represent the pinnacle of Scottish distilling heritage.