The Braes of Glenlivet 16 years 1997 Cadenhead's One of 606 - bottled 2013 Small Batch (Brown)

The Braeval distillery was founded by Seagram in 1973 for use in the flagship blend Chivas Regal. Initially named Braes of Glenlivet, the name was changed in 1995 to allow the Glenlivet distillery exclusive use of the title. The latter was bought by Seagram in 1977 and the owner later decided to keep the name Glenlivet for the distillery that used its brand name as a single malt rather than for a distillery whose malt was used for blending. When it was first founded, it was one of the most modern distilleries in Scotland, and it has remained so over the years, with very advanced automation. In fact, from 1997, the distillery only required one person to run it. Eventually, in 2000, Seagram was bought by Pernod Ricard. The drinks giant mothballed four distilleries in 2002, including the newly acquired Braeval. It was only in 2008 that production was relaunched to respond to a renewed demand for whisky.

A Braeval small batch distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2013. Cadenhead was founded in Aberdeen in 1842 by George Duncan. William Cadenhead then joined the company and, when George Duncan died in 1858, took over and renamed the business after himself. William’’s nephew Roberth Duthie developed the company in the early 20th century and it remained a family business until 1969. William Cadenhead Ltd was then sold to the Springbank distillery’’s owner J. & A. Mitchell and Co. Hedley G. Wright, a direct descendent of Archibald and John Mitchell, became William Cadenhead Ltd’’s CEO. In the past, Cadenhead had mainly sold its own brands, such as Putachieside, The Hielanman, Seven Stars and Green Label rums. Under Hedley G. Wright, the company began to take more of an interest in single malts. This led to the creation of the legendary collection of dumpy bottles in 1977. This series of single malts stood out for its very gentle filtration, lack of artificial colouring, and relatively high bottling strength for the time (80 proof/45.7% ABV). The labels included lots of information, including the month and year of distillation and bottling, and whether or not sherry casks were used. Also in 1977, the business moved to another address in Aberdeen, and finally to Campbeltown. In the 1980s, Cadenhead sold casks to legendary bottlers such as Samaroli and Corti Brothers through the subsidiary Duthie’’s. Finally, two new whisky ranges were created in 1991 and 1992, the Original Collection bottled at 46% and the Authentic Collection bottled at cask strength. Other special series to mark Cadenhead’’s major anniversaries (150 and 175 years), as well as new ranges launched since (Small Batch, World Whiskies, etc.), have all contributed to the company’’s ongoing history up to the present day. A limited edition of 606 bottles.