Speyburn Bradan Orach 3
Golden Salmon – upon first letting your nose draw close to it, you may detect hints of orange marmalade and honey; the first taste, meanwhile, may be better described as oaky with hints of haulm. Though fairly unlikely to be found in the sea, I am, of course, not talking about a rare breed of sweet water fish. No, what I’m trying to describe are a few of the characteristics of a Scottish whisky, namely Speyburn Bradan Orach single malt, with Bradan Orach meaning Golden Salmon.
While the Speyburn distillery has been around since 1897, making it only 6 years the junior of one of the better known Speyside distilleries –the Balvenie, it is quite unknown outside the realm of regular whiskey drinkers, at least in the UK (it has been said to be one of the top selling single malts in the US). In fairness, it has tough regional competition; Speyside hosts more distilleries than any other region of Scotland, 46 in total, including not only the Balvenie but also Glenfiddich and Macallan.
Though I live in Scotland, and have done for some time, I have only on one occasion had the pleasure of tasting Speyburn Bradan Orach – in fact, it was one of the first whiskys I can remember trying, and as such I guess you give it as least part of the credit for my later interest in usquebaugh or water of life. So I am talking out of experience when I recommend this as a good first whisky, for those intrigued by the finer things Scotland has to offer, and at under £20 or $35 it shouldn’t burn too deep a hole in your pocket either.
Eye: bright, crisp, light golden
Nose: warm fruitiness with hints of orange marmalade, honey, ammoniac and haulm.
Taste: much the same as the nose, but with an added hint of herbs.
Serve according to preference; with or without ice – though it is worth to note that water shouldn’t be needed, as may be with more potent and smoky whiskys. Bradan Orach is also a perfect candidate for a highland coffee (although its technically not from the highlands); simply pour a measure of Bradan Orach into a latte glass, add a short of espresso and a teaspoon of brown sugar, top up with hot milk and finish with a layer of hand-whipped cream.
Want to buy this whisky? Available in: UK & World (click)
Here are some related posts that you might want to read:
- Whisky Cocktail: Rob Roy
- Suntory Yamazaki 12 Year Old
- Whisky Region: Speyside
- Monkey Shoulder Triple Malt
- Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
Congrats on starting the blog! Keep it up.
Thanks for the review I must say I agree with your description of this excellent scotch. I usually enjoy the more smokey Island malts such as Lagavulan and Laphroig but this is a gem. I bought it in Clitheroe in a specialist Whiskey at a very attractive introductory price of £14.99. The first nose is marmaladey and the first taste is honey but with an overall deliciousness. Well recommended.
Best wishes
Ronald McK
You must be out of your senses. Ive never had worse scotch in my life; mind you I don’t drink a lot of bad scotch. But I bought this on your description of the incredible tasting notes. Blaahhhh. I’d rather drink dirty sock water.