Brechin (North Port) 1977 28 Year Old Official Special Bottling

A high-level balanced type from Diageo's official bottling. It was delicious. BRECHIN (NORTH PORT) Brechin (North Port) 1977-2005 28yo OB Special Bottling 53.3% The aroma features orange marmalade, black tea, simple barley notes, cinnamon, tree sap, matured barley, richness, and a smooth mouthfeel that expands into a fragrant complexity, gradually revealing spiciness, orange marmalade, savory barley umami with a textured mouthfeel, pleasant acidity and saltiness, subtle smoke or tar, and a plain yet satisfying finish without any unpleasant aftertaste. [Very Good] Brechin, also known as North Port Distillery's official special bottling, was distilled in 1977 and aged for 28 years. The nose offers a diverse range of aromas, including matured citrus notes, simple barley characteristics, and woody tree sap-like oak, alongside hints of black tea and cinnamon. These elements coexist in a high-level balanced harmony without clashing. Upon tasting, it begins with an unexpectedly smooth mouthfeel that expands into a fragrant complexity. The jam-like sweetness and deeply penetrating barley umami are complemented by pleasant acidity and saltiness. Additionally, a subtle peatiness reminiscent of the East Highlands style is detectable, offering an authentic flavor profile. True to its Diageo-affiliated official bottling lineage, it avoids leaning toward any specific direction, instead showcasing a diverse and aromatic complexity that seems to originate from the cask's quality. This balance is achieved at a high level, while still evoking the house style of the distillery. A classic bottle reminiscent of what one might find at Manach, and it was exceptionally delicious. Having aged for nearly 10 years since bottling, the smoothness of its mouthfeel and the textured penetration on the tongue have become more pronounced. This bottle still has a long drinking window ahead, maintaining its quality for years to come.