Royal Brackla 15 Years Old 1992 (Authentic Collection)

A Royal Brackla single malt, selected and bottled by Cadenhead's, a 15 year old release from 1992 and bottled at 57.3%. Just 232 bottles were filled. Royal Brackla was founded in 1812 by Captain William Fraser on the Earl of Cawdor's estate near Nairn, and the King's Own Whisky earned its royal warrant in 1833. It is one of only three distilleries to carry the Royal name in Scotch.

The spirit was made in copper pot stills after a long fermentation, for a fruity, honeyed make of real finesse. A Rum cask shaped it, lending brown sugar and a tropical lift. Around twelve to sixteen years the malt gains a sherried depth over the fruit. Patient maturation turns the orchard fruit towards honey and dried fruit. Owned today by John Dewar and Sons, part of Bacardi, it remains a quiet Highland name. Fraser shipped his spirit south to England to outpace the local smugglers of his day.

At cask strength 57.3% it is full bodied. The Rum cask adds brown sugar, molasses and a tropical lift, and vanilla and a light cream from the barrel, with orchard fruit and a gentle spice. The mouthfeel is round, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. A long, honeyed finish carries a fruity lift. This is a polished, fruity Highland whisky.