Speyburn Bradan Orach

Nice but a tad weak. I think my palate has changed since I liked these light whiskies when I first started this wonderful journey.

There's a reason so much of this distillery's production goes into blends: they need to because it's almost unpalatable on its own. The Bradan Orach is a very unrefined, bitter, tannic mess of hot alcohol, pungent spice, harsh ethanol, with a long, jellyfish tentacle, sting at the end. Even at the lower price, this isn't a very good sipper on the rocks. Tasted neat, it's like some sort of punishment. Hard pass on this.

Mostly apple, some citrus, very bright and sharp, reminded me of a Chardonnay. Good price for a single malt. The 10 year is better

Saw this on sale for $19. I had the 10 year and liked it so gave this a shot. Neat, ok legs and glass coat. Nose is lemon drops and honey with rich malt. Palate has thick malt, more honey and light candied fruit. Finish is fairly long with tasty malt drying slowly to oak. This is more refined and has more body than the 10 year. I am extremely impressed with the quality and flavor here. Very smooth and drinkable with little heat yet still robust maltiness. For under $20 this is a slam dunk. Will absolutely purchase again 85/100......fantastic value imo Update: latest bottle I purchased was not as good. Had some bitterness to the finish and lacked robust flavor as before. Still good for money but gotta lower score 78/100