In a philanthropic gesture, Diageo has presented the Distillers One of One charity auction with the first-ever bottle of a 50-year-old Brora single malt whisky. Brora Iris, as it's aptly named, is a true masterpiece, representing not only the pinnacle of whisky craftsmanship but also a unique work of art.
Brora Iris, the oldest single malt expression ever to emerge from this Highland distillery, is described as a one-of-a-kind piece. It's a testament to Brora's enduring legacy, owned by Diageo, and showcases the distillery's ability to produce remarkable whiskies even after half a century of maturation.
Collaborating with a team of skilled artists and craftspeople, Brora Iris is presented in a 1.5-litre decanter designed to capture the awakened spirit of the Sutherland-based distillery. This striking decanter is adorned with an intricate stone sculpture made from the very limestone that constructed the Brora Distillery, crafted by Scotland-based sculptor Michelle De Bruin. It also features a bronze wildcat figure, cast by the UK's leading animalier sculptor, Jonathan Knight.
Dr. Craig Wilson, the master blender behind Brora Iris, has crafted a whisky that embodies the iconic Brora style, which was only produced during fleeting periods in the distillery's history. The aroma of this exceptional single malt is described as a doorway to the past, revealing Brora in all its perfection.
Tasting notes for Brora Iris reveal a whisky with a light oil-smooth texture that introduces rich flavors, starting with a smoky-sweet essence reminiscent of autumn wood smoke, honeycomb, and vanilla fudge. The finish is said to be long-lasting, gently warming the palate with gingery spice and a hint of black pepper, fading into a delicate thread of smoke and a candlewax-smoky aftertaste.
This extraordinary spirit, Brora Iris, is set to go under the hammer at the One of One auction event hosted on October 5th at Hopetoun House, Edinburgh, in partnership with Sotheby’s. Bidding will open on September 14th, and it's estimated to fetch between £250,000-£500,000 (US$317,023-$634,047).
The proceeds from this remarkable auction will be dedicated to the Distillers’ Charity, primarily the Youth Action Fund, which is committed to transforming the lives of young people in Scotland.
This act of generosity by Diageo, one of the world's leading spirits companies, not only showcases the excellence of Brora's whisky but also supports a noble cause that aims to make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals in Scotland.
Founded in 1819, Brora Distillery has a rich history of producing exceptional whisky. After a period of silence starting in 1983, Brora garnered a reputation as one of the 'lost icons' of the whisky world, with its historic bottlings achieving record prices at auctions. In 2021, Diageo revived the distillery, resuming its production and welcoming visitors in limited numbers. It now releases highly sought-after capsules of historic whisky from its 'ghost' stock.
The fortunate owner of Brora Iris will also receive an exclusive invitation to explore the reawakened distillery, accompanied by five guests. Distillery host Andrew Flatt will guide them through an unforgettable tasting experience, making this a truly immersive whisky journey.
This generous donation by Diageo not only celebrates the legacy of Brora but also highlights the power of whisky to contribute to meaningful causes. It's a testament to the enduring allure of aged Scotch whisky and its ability to create positive change.
About The Brora Distillery
The Brora Distillery, nestled in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, holds a storied history within the world of whisky production. Established in 1819 in the village of Brora, in the county of Sutherland, it initially operated as Clynelish Distillery. However, in 1969, it underwent a transformation and became known as Brora Distillery, producing a distinctive style of whisky that has since become legendary among connoisseurs.
One of Brora's defining characteristics was its production of heavily peated whisky. The distillery used locally sourced peat to dry the malted barley, infusing its spirits with a unique smokiness. This made Brora a notable producer of peated Highland malt whisky during a time when peat was more commonly associated with Islay distilleries.
Brora's whisky, often bottled at a higher proof, garnered a reputation for its complexity and depth of flavor. The spirit displayed a harmonious balance of fruity, malty, and peaty notes, making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Despite its relatively short period of production as Brora, spanning from 1969 to 1983, the distillery's legacy endures due to the exceptional quality of its whisky.
In 1983, Brora Distillery, along with several other Scotch whisky distilleries, ceased production due to an industry-wide downturn. The buildings lay dormant for many years, but the spirit of Brora lived on as its remaining casks continued to age. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Brora, and the distillery's whiskies are once again available to whisky aficionados as limited releases from its original stock.
Today, Brora has become an iconic name in the world of Scotch whisky, cherished for its historical significance and the outstanding quality of its vintage releases. Whisky enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the opportunity to savor the unique flavors of Brora, paying homage to a distillery that remains an enduring symbol of Scotland's rich whisky heritage.
About Diageo
Diageo is a multinational alcoholic beverages company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and is one of the largest and most influential players in the global spirits industry. Founded in 1997 through the merger of Grand Metropolitan and Guinness, Diageo boasts an extensive portfolio of well-known brands that span across various categories, including Scotch whisky, vodka, gin, rum, and beer.
One of Diageo's most prominent contributions to the world of spirits is its ownership of numerous iconic Scotch whisky distilleries. Brands like Johnnie Walker, Lagavulin, Talisker, and Oban are part of its impressive Scotch whisky collection. These brands are celebrated for their quality and heritage, and Diageo has played a significant role in preserving and promoting the traditions associated with these distilleries.
Beyond whisky, Diageo is also a key player in the production of other alcoholic beverages. Smirnoff, Guinness, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, and Baileys are just a few examples of the diverse brands in its portfolio. These brands have a global presence and are enjoyed by consumers in nearly every corner of the world.
In addition to its commitment to producing high-quality spirits, Diageo places a strong emphasis on sustainability and corporate responsibility. The company has set ambitious sustainability goals, including reducing its environmental impact and promoting responsible drinking.
Diageo's influence extends beyond the production of alcoholic beverages. It is deeply involved in marketing and promoting its brands, sponsoring various events and initiatives, and actively engaging with consumers through innovative advertising campaigns.
As a global leader in the spirits industry, Diageo continues to shape the landscape of the alcoholic beverage market. Its dedication to quality, sustainability, and responsible business practices ensures that it remains a significant and respected player in the industry for years to come.
