Braes of Glenlivet (Braeval) – 1975/2021 46 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection (70cl, 45.6%)

This is a 46 year old single malt from Braes of Glenlivet, the Speyside distillery now called Braeval. It was distilled in 1975 and matured in a single refill American hogshead, cask 15370. Gordon & MacPhail bottled it on 30 December 2021 for its Private Collection, filling 120 bottles at a natural cask strength of 45.6%. It is non-chill-filtered and has no added colour. The 70cl bottle comes in a wooden case. The nose opens with sweet vanilla, ripe autumn fruit and a little nutmeg, with jasmine and toasted oak behind. On the palate come dark chocolate, Seville orange, red apple and apricot jam. The finish is peppery and ends in a long note of menthol.