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Everything you need to know about Braeval Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
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Braeval 16 Year Old Single Cask Whisky Distillery Reserve 50cl£149.99 Inc VAT -
Braeval 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Old Particular 2009£69.99 Inc VAT -
Braeval 16 Year Old Single Cask Whisky 2000 Distillery Reserve£149.99 Inc VAT -
Braeval 9 Year Old Speyside Malt Whisky Fortnum & Mason 2000s£189.99 Inc VAT
A brief History
Braeval, Speyside Region, Scotland. Founded in 1973.
Braeval Distillery is one of those Speyside distilleries you’ve probably never seen on a shelf — but it’s been quietly producing whisky for decades. It sits near Chapeltown in Speyside, high up in the hills, and is often noted as one of the highest distilleries in Scotland.
It was founded in 1973 and was originally called Braes of Glenlivet, a name that still appears on some older bottlings. The distillery was built during a period of expansion in the Scotch industry, with the main aim of producing malt whisky for blends rather than single malt releases.
Because of that, Braeval has spent most of its life working in the background. It’s closely tied to the Chivas Brothers portfolio, contributing spirit to blended Scotch whiskies rather than building its own standalone identity.
Every now and then, though, independent bottlings appear — and that’s where things get interesting.
Taste Profile
 |
 |
 |
| Malty / Cereal | Fruity | Sweet |
Braeval produces a light, clean Speyside spirit. You’ll usually notice soft fruit notes like apple and pear, combined with honey sweetness and a gentle malt base.
The whisky is typically smooth and easy-going, with subtle vanilla from oak maturation. It doesn’t aim for bold or heavy flavours — it’s more about balance and clarity.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Apple / Pear |
 |
Malt / Biscuit / Toast |
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Honey |
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Vanilla |
Popular Braeval Bottles
Because most production goes into blends, official releases are uncommon. However, these are some of the best-known expressions:
- Braeval 25 Year Old (Secret Speyside Collection)
- Braeval 27 Year Old (Secret Speyside Collection)
- Braeval 30 Year Old Cask Strength
- Independent Bottlings by Signatory Vintage
- Independent Bottlings by Gordon & MacPhail
Many whisky drinkers first encounter Braeval through independent bottlers rather than official distillery releases.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Braeval Distillery
Address: Chapeltown, Ballindalloch, Moray, AB37 9LG, Scotland
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Visitor Centre & Opening Times
Braeval does not have a public visitor centre, and it is not open for tours.
Ownership History
Founder
- Built during industry expansion (1973)
Original Name
- Braes of Glenlivet
Current Owner
- Chivas Brothers (Pernod Ricard)
The distillery remains part of a large blending portfolio.
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
Braeval Distillery is located near Chapeltown in Speyside and was founded in 1973 by Chivas Brothers (Pernod Ricard).
Originally named Braes of Glenlivet, the distillery was built during a period of expansion to meet demand for blended Scotch whisky. It was later renamed Braeval in 1995.
Situated at one of the highest elevations of any Scotch distillery, Braeval operates in a remote area of Speyside and is not open to the public.
Production
- Spirit Type: Single malt Scotch whisky
- Region: Speyside
- Stills: Copper pot stills
- Water Source: Local spring water from surrounding hills
- Cask Policy: Primarily ex-bourbon casks
- Primary Role: Supplying malt whisky for blends (notably Chivas Regal)
The distillery is designed for efficient, large-scale production.
Whisky Style
Braeval whisky typically shows:
- Light, clean body
- Fresh grassy notes
- Orchard fruit (apple, pear)
- Subtle floral character
- Gentle vanilla sweetness
The profile is delicate and well suited for blending.
Key Expressions
Braeval has very limited official releases:
- Occasional independent bottlings
- Rare special releases
Most of its production is not marketed as single malt.
Significance
Braeval is a blend-focused Speyside distillery, playing a supporting role in major blended Scotch whiskies.
Its remote location and high elevation make it notable geographically, but its primary importance lies in providing consistent malt whisky for large-scale blending operations rather than building a standalone single malt identity.
Braeval Whisky to Buy
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