Glaschu Spirits Co. - Braeval 11: Pedro Ximenez Maturation

One of the highest working distilleries in Scotland, and well off the beaten path, Braeval sits in the remote hills above the River Spey. Its high altitude, cool microclimate, and exceptionally soft water, give its spirit a naturally light, orchard-fruit character that has long been prized by blenders and bottlers alike.

Though rarely seen as an official single malt, Braeval has a loyal following among independent bottlers for its clean, elegant distillate and its ability to take on bold cask influence without losing balance. Fully matured for 10 years in a first fill Pedro Ximénez sherry cask, this latest Glaschu Spirits Co release shows exactly why.

Plump raisins, brambles, and dark chocolate take centre stage, supported by orange oil brightness and a soft barley sweetness. Marzipan and gentle oak spice round out a rich, velvety finish.

An indulgent sherried Speysider, bottled with the expressive, full-flavoured character we love to showcase under the Glaschu Spirits Co. brand.

Funny story about the artwork on this one. When we bought this cask, we thought it was something completely different.

See, Braeval distillery was once called "Braes of Glenlivet" distillery. When the seller of the cask told us this, we immediately got ahead of ourselves and assumed it was a cask of "The Glenlivet" distillery... which of course it is not.

Excited as we were, we got to work researching "The Glenlivet" and found a cool photograph of the distillery utilising steam powered tractor-trucks to carry their casks down the road.

By the time we discovered our mistake, the labels were already done. But we decided to roll with it anyways.

Proudly presenting, our 10 year old Braeval bottling, that has absolutely nothing to do with The Glenlivet distillery. Slainte!