Braemar 5 Year Old Specially Blended Malt

Braemar 5 Year Old Specially Blended Malt is a vintage bottling from the 1970s, originally produced for export to Italy. While formal tasting notes are limited, we can draw from its style, age, and blending practices of the era to build a speculative profile. This is a blended malt, meaning it contains only malt whiskies from different distilleries—no grain whisky—making it richer and more characterful than standard blends.

Speculative Tasting Notes: Braemar 5 Year Old Specially Blended Malt (Bot. 1970s)

Appearance: Pale gold to light amber, likely with minimal caramel coloring. Slight haze may appear due to age and bottle oxidation.

Nose: Fresh malt and cereal notes. Light orchard fruits—pear, green apple, and a touch of lemon zest. Soft vanilla and honey. Faint herbal and floral tones, possibly heather or chamomile

Palate: Medium-bodied and smooth for its youth. Creamy malt with biscuit and toffee notes. Hints of citrus, dried grass, and subtle spice—nutmeg or white pepper. A whisper of smoke or earthiness, depending on the malt sources

Finish: Short to medium, clean and slightly dry. Lingering malt sweetness with a touch of oak and herbal freshness

Historical Context

Produced under the Braemar label, originally created by Campbell, Hope & King, later bottled by Whitbread after their acquisition in 1965 Exported to Italy, where lighter and smoother Scotch styles were favored. The “Specially Blended Malt” designation suggests a curated selection of young malts, likely from Speyside or Highland distilleries