Royal Brackla 12 Years Old 2008 Cask #304043 (BB&R)

Single malt Royal Brackla, an independent Berry Bros & Rudd bottling, aged 12 year old from 2008, drawn from cask 304043 and bottled at 52.9%. Royal Brackla, built in 1812 by Captain William Fraser in Nairnshire, by Cawdor Castle, is the first Royal distillery in Scotch. It was the first Scotch whisky to hold a royal warrant, renewed by Queen Victoria in 1838.

Drawn off copper stills with horizontal shell and tube condensers, building the elegant Highland style it is loved for. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the fruity character to the fore. Past a decade the fruit deepens into honey, dried fruit and a warm spice. The light, elegant spirit shows cask character clearly even after years in oak. The royal warrant set Brackla apart in the early days of legal whisky. Few Highland malts wear their history as openly as this one. The spirit was long destined for blends before its single malt revival.

At a hearty 52.9% it carries real weight. A fruity, honeyed elegance meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Beneath it run honey, apple and a warm spice. A fruity, gently spiced finish lingers long. This is an elegant, fruity Highland single malt.