Braeval maj not be the sexiest name in the first batch of the renewed Connoisseurs Choice range from Gordon & MacPhail , but we’ve had quite a lot of nicely fruity expressions from Braes of Glenlivet before.

Braeval 20 yo 1998 (59%, Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice 2018, refill American hogshead #26004, 185 btl.)

Nose: slightly heady, with fruity notes but also polished wood, even a hint of nail polish remover (an asset here). Dried flowers and grassy notes. Haribo sweets. Juicy pears, a little kiwi and banana. Touches of white rum and light vanilla. Mouth: honeyed and...