Brora and Port Ellen in Edinburgh?

[Acksboy]

I'm planning a trip down to Edinburgh next year and have been saving away a few pennies for me to spend in one or two of the whisky bars. Although I plan on trying a varied selection, I was looking to see if anyone knew of a bar that serves two that are at the top of my bucket list - Port Ellen and Brora.
From my research I've found that that Albanach bar on the Royal mile serve Port Ellen, however there's no description of what vintage (I understand that the 70s bottlings are considered the best). Absolutely no luck in finding any Brora on sale in the capital.
If any more experienced malt mates can offer any help it would be most appreciated.

[deadz101]

the balmoral whisky bar might have something along those lines, perhaps the scotch whisky experience up by the castle? I'd give the boys at RMW a bell they'd be able to help you out. The Bow bar on the west bow might be another place

obviously the scotch malt whisky society should have some interesting stuff, though maybe not along the lines of what you are after

the diggers in gorgie has a great selction of drams, i've tried the yoichi 15, have seen glenfiddich snow phoenix there as well. I'm popping along there on Friday and will let you know if they have either Brora or Port Ellen

[edinburghlandlord]

The Diggers (Athletic Arms) has 2 Port Ellen's one a 1982 from G&M (£25) and a 26yo Old Bothwell single cask 56.4% (£30). We only have one Brora a 1981 bottled by Chieftain's (£25). All drams are 35mls too.

[dramblersanonymous]

Probably worth popping past the Black Cat too?

[Acksboy]

Thank you all for the replies!

Diggers sounds like a great suggestion. Both drams reasonably priced too. Even if they're not the finest vintages available it's still a great price from two legendary distilleries.

[Acksboy]

I'm reigniting this post for more advice from the whisky wizards of the forum. Heading to Edinburgh in May and after doing some research I think that Usquebae and Albanach whisky bars would be the best places for us to go. Will try to go to both but if I can't manage then can anyone recommend which one I should make a priority?
I'm also hoping to make a visit to Cadenheads on the Royal Mile after hearing some excellent reviews.
As before, any other recommendations situated around the Royal Mile/Princes St area are very welcome.

[eelbrook]

As far as whisky bars go, you're really spoilt for choice. I quite like "Whiski". Also, there's a good offering at the downstairs bar in the Scotch Whisky Experience". And obviously "Bow Bar".

Central Edinburgh whisky shops - with the exception of Cadenhead's and Royal Mile Whiskies are best avoided. They're tourist 'honey traps' and the prices asked for rarer, older bottlings are a joke.

[lincoln imp]

The problem you have is that what Brora and Port Ellen you will be served and at what price?
To be honest you might be better off trying to source some samples rather than shelling out for something off the lower shelf IB wise.
Port Ellen has many more offerings and Independent wise many are pretty decent but a 1982 Connoisseurs Choice is not going to blow you away.
Brora is more of a problem and if you take out some of the excellent IB Douglas Laing and Duncan Taylor out the equation,there were not that many other really good ones left IMHO.
If its on your bucket list then why settle for something below par and that is exactly what you might end up with.
If you cannot try an old Brora try to source a mid 1970`s Glen Garioch which is another classic Highland Peaty profile that has disappeared and bears no resemblance to the stuff they put out today.
Equally for the Port Ellen, substitute for an older Caol Ila perhaps?

The premium you will have to pay at a bar for an official Brora or Port Ellen will I suspect be eye watering hence why I suggested the sample route, just a thought.
_________________
Pour me a glass please.

[Acksboy]