Alexander Murray Braes of Glenlivet 1994

Originally named Braes of Glenlivet due to its proximity to the Glenlivet Estate, the name was changed to Braeval, avoiding confusion and potential misinterpreted association with The Glenlivet Distillery and brand, as did other proximate distilleries such as Dailuaine and Tomintoul. Nestled in a delightfully moody glen in the small community of Chapeltown, Ballindalloch, Braeval shares the same altitude as the Dalwhinnie Distillery, making it joint-highest distillery in Scotland. The greenery and purity of the location is vivid, the stuff of nature documentaries. Built in 1974 by Chivas, Braeval is the slightly-prettier sister to Allt-a-Bhainne Distillery nearby. Like its sister, Braeval is a modern distillery embracing a model of high technology, low manpower; its spirit is sent off-site for maturation, destined to play in the blended-whisky orchestra when it reaches maturity. If you can find yourself a single-malt bottling of Braeval/Braes of Glenlivet then you’re in for a real treat. The intensely fruity style is fantastic. For all of us at Alexander Murray & Co, the nose of a Braeval takes us back to the ‘Fruit Salad’ candy you’d only get in childhood if you chased the ice cream van when it came to town.