Braeval Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Braeval, sometimes seen under its original name, Braes of Glenlivet, is a modern Speyside distillery known for producing a light, floral, and fruity single malt that is rarely seen as an official bottling. Nestled high in the hills above the village of Chapeltown in the Glenlivet area, Braeval holds the distinction of being one of the highest distilleries in Scotland, sitting at around 350 metres above sea level.

The distillery was founded in 1973 by The Chivas and Glenlivet Group (now part of Chivas Brothers, owned by Pernod Ricard) during a period of high demand for blended Scotch whisky. Its main purpose was to supply malt for Chivas’s blends, such as Chivas Regal and Ballantine’s, which means that single malt Braeval has historically been a rarity, largely confined to independent bottlings.

Location and Water Source

Braeval’s elevated position in the remote Braes of Glenlivet gives it access to pure, soft water from the Preenie Well, a source that contributes to the distillery’s clean, delicate spirit character. The high-altitude location also means cooler temperatures, which can slow maturation and subtly influence the whisky’s development.

Production Style

Designed for efficiency, Braeval was built with six stills, three wash stills and three spirit stills, allowing for high production volumes. The tall, slender stills encourage greater copper contact, producing a lighter, fruitier distillate ideal for blending.

The spirit is generally unpeated, with a profile that emphasises orchard fruits, floral notes, and gentle malt sweetness. Maturation typically takes place in ex-bourbon casks, though independent bottlers sometimes experiment with sherry, wine, or other cask types to add richness and complexity.

Single Malt Availability

For decades, Braeval was not released as an official single malt by its owners, and the only way to experience it was through independent bottlers such as Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory Vintage, Douglas Laing, or Hunter Laing. These bottlings range from young, bourbon-matured expressions full of crisp apple and pear notes to older, sherried examples with honeyed depth and spice.

In 2017, Chivas Brothers included Braeval in its Secret Speyside Collection, marking the first widely available official release. The collection featured age-statement single malts — including 25, 27, and 30-year-old bottlings — showcasing a more mature and refined side of the distillery’s style.

This approachable profile makes Braeval an excellent introduction to Speyside’s lighter single malts, while older expressions reveal greater depth and complexity.

Collectability and Appeal

Because Braeval single malt is relatively rare, bottlings, particularly older or single cask releases, are of interest to collectors and whisky enthusiasts keen to explore lesser-known distilleries. The official Secret Speyside bottlings have added further prestige to the name, while independent releases offer variety and often excellent value.

Our Braeval selection includes both hard-to-find independent bottlings and the limited official releases. Whether you’re seeking a delicate Speyside malt for easy drinking or a well-aged rarity for the collection, Braeval delivers subtle elegance from one of Scotland’s highest and most secluded distilleries.