Braeval Distillery represents one of the most significant recent additions to the single malt Scotch whisky market. As the final distillery in Chivas Brothers' portfolio to transition from exclusive blending stock to official single malt releases, Braeval embodies the strategic shift toward premium aged expressions in the Speyside region. Located in the remote Braes of Glenlivet, Braeval is aptly named 'The Remote Distillery' in Chivas Brothers' prestigious 'The Secret Speyside Collection.' This isolation, south of Grantown-on-Spey and accessible only via the B9008 through Auchnarrow, echoes its historical role as an illicit distilling haven during the 18th and 19th centuries. Production capabilities include a 9-ton stainless steel full-lauter mash tun, 13 stainless steel washbacks with 70-hour fermentation, and a six-still setup comprising two wash stills with secondary condensers and four spirit stills. The distillery processes 26 mashes weekly, yielding 4.2 million liters of new make spirit annually. The inaugural 2017 visitor center exclusive was a 16-year-old cask strength expression. The 2019 global launch introduced three distinguished age-statement whiskies: a 25-year-old and 27-year-old both matured in American oak barrels at 48% ABV, and a 30-year-old hogshead-matured expression at 50.3% ABV. Initially duty-free exclusives, these expressions entered UK retail distribution in 2020, positioning Braeval as a luxury collectible within the single malt category.

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Tasting Notes & Reviews

1-5 of 8 notes Log in to rate

Dennis Richards

May 27, 2026, 04:54:57

Right then, cracked this one open last night and honestly? It proper blew me away. 🥃 First sip hits you with all these lovely ripe apples and pears, almost like a liquid tarte tatin — genuinely stunning sherry butts vibes going on. Then it goes all cakey, like proper croissants and scones fresh out the oven. You know those pastries from The Balmoral? That kind of posh, goody good quality. Gets a bit greener as it opens up, more marmalade coming through — bitter lemon marmalade specifically, that kind of bittersweet tang. There's soft spices rolling in, then more pepper on the finish which I wasn't expecting. Quite classically malty underneath it all, a real fatter Glenlivet feel to it. Christmas edition energy all round honestly. 🎄 Murican cheesecake notes popping in too somehow, that rich creamy thing. The finish is just long, long, long. Gold in the glass and all very, very fine. Lovely hogshead character throughout. Excellent stuff, proper session dram. 😊

Mohammed Rogers

May 21, 2026, 09:31:40

Quite cosy and warming, with a sweet fruity lift — a bit of orange peel, honey and soft spice. Feels smooth enough, then turns slightly peppery and oaky at the end. Nice wee dram for a chilly evening 🥃✨

Gordon Lewis

May 12, 2026, 12:53:35

Oh crikey, this whisky is quite the experience! Right, first off, the nose is all rich and smoky, like a cozy bonfire on Guy Fawkes night 🔥. Then you get these lovely hints of vanilla and maybe a touch of spice, defo warming. On the sip, it's smooth as anything, with a bit of fruitiness – think dried fruits and honey 🍯. The finish lingers, with oak and leather notes, really makes you want another dram. Cheers! 🥃

Sophia Knight

May 12, 2026, 03:52:31

Wow, this one's got a real kick of spice and a sweet, fruity undertone – kinda like baked apples with a touch of cinnamon. So warming on a chilly evening! 😋🔥 Definately picks up some smoke notes too, nice and mellow. Makes me wanna sip it slow by the fire. 🥃

Scott Smith

May 5, 2026, 22:00:53

Right so, had a dram of this one last night and honestly? Quite lovely 👌 First thing you get on the nose is proper honey and a bit of apple, maybe some pear? There's deffo some vanilla in there too, like a custard cream biscuit almost. Taste-wise - oh mate 🤤 gets nice and creamy, bit of caramel, some gentle spice at the back. Slight oakiness but not too much, y'know? There's this sort of malty sweetness that just... works. The finish hangs around for a bit which is nice, get some dried fruit coming through, maybe a touch of chocolate? Very moorish honestly. Smooth as anything, not harsh at all. Proper easy drinking this one 🥃 Would deffo have again on a cold evening. Maybe wif a bit of dark chocolate on the side, that'd be class

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