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Everything you need to know about Braes Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Braes, Speyside Region, Scotland. Founded in 1973.
A Quiet Speyside Malt with Altitude
The name Braes Distillery often causes a bit of confusion. Officially, the distillery is known today as Braeval Distillery, but it was originally called Braes of Glenlivet when it opened in 1973. Set high in the hills of Speyside, it’s one of the highest distilleries in Scotland — remote, exposed, and built with blending in mind rather than visitor footfall.
Unlike many famous Speyside names, Braes (or Braeval) doesn’t shout about itself. You won’t see large core ranges or flashy marketing. For most of its life, the spirit has gone straight into blends, valued for its clean, fruity character and consistency. That said, independent bottlings have given single malt fans the chance to taste what this quiet distillery can really do.
I’ve always thought of Braes as the dependable backbone type. It doesn’t try to impress you with peat or heavy sherry. Instead, it offers bright fruit, soft sweetness, and gentle malt. For UK drinkers who enjoy classic Speyside style without fuss, Braes is a name worth knowing — even if you don’t see it on shelves every day.
Taste Profile
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 |
 |
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Fruity |
Sweet | Malty / Cereal |
Braes (Braeval) produces a classic light and fruity Speyside single malt, often matured in ex-bourbon casks.
Expect fresh orchard fruit on the nose — apple, pear — followed by soft honey and vanilla. The finish is clean, slightly dry, and gently malty. It’s not a heavy dram. It’s one you can return to easily.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Malt / Biscuit / Toast |
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Vanilla |
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Honey |
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Apple / Pear |
Most Popular Braes Bottles
Because most production goes into blends, official single malt releases are rare. However, independent bottlers often showcase the spirit.
| Whisky | Style | What You’ll Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Braeval 10–12 Year Old (Indie Bottlings) | Speyside Single Malt | Light fruit, vanilla, clean finish |
| Braeval 20+ Year Old (Indie Releases) | Mature Speyside Malt | Deeper honey, soft oak, richer texture |
| Braes of Glenlivet (Older Labels) | Historic Bottlings | Fruity malt, classic Speyside balance |
If you come across a well-aged independent release, it’s often worth a closer look.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Braeval Distillery
Address: Braeval Distillery, Chapeltown, Ballindalloch, Banffshire, AB37 9LR, Scotland
 Open in maps |
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Visitor Centre & Opening Times
Braeval (Braes) does not have a visitor centre.
The distillery is not open for public tours. It functions primarily as a blending malt production site.
Ownership & Distillery History
Braes of Glenlivet was built during the 1970s whisky boom, when blending companies were expanding capacity.
Ownership Timeline:
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1973: Founded as Braes of Glenlivet
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1980s–1990s: Ownership under blending groups
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Current Owner: Chivas Brothers, part of Pernod Ricard
The name was later shortened to Braeval, and the distillery continues to supply malt for major blends, particularly within the Chivas portfolio.
Distillery Facts
Key Facts
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Location: Near Chapeltown of Glenlivet, Speyside, Scotland
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Founded: 1973
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Original Name: Braes of Glenlivet
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Renamed: Braeval (1994)
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Owner: Chivas Brothers (part of Pernod Ricard)
Background
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Built during the 1970s Scotch whisky expansion period.
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Located at one of the highest altitudes of any Scottish distillery.
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Primarily designed to produce malt whisky for blending rather than for regular single malt bottlings.
Production Facts
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Produces single malt Scotch whisky.
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Uses traditional copper pot stills.
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Water sourced from local springs in the Glenlivet hills.
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Matured in oak casks, mainly for use in blended Scotch.
Style and Character
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Typically light and clean in profile.
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Common notes include fresh malt, orchard fruit, honey, vanilla, and soft spice.
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Generally unpeated.
Availability
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Rarely seen as an official distillery bottling.
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Most releases appear via independent bottlers under the name Braeval rather than Braes of Glenlivet.
Braes Whisky to Buy
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