Royal Brackla 11 Years Old 2011 Cask #417 (Dràm Mòr)

Dràm Mòr selected this Royal Brackla matured to 11 year old from 2011, drawn from cask 417 and bottled at 56.1%. A release of 457 bottles. Set on the Cawdor Estate of Macbeth fame, Royal Brackla has distilled since 1812. Cawdor Castle, said to inspire Shakespeare's Macbeth, stands on the same estate.

It was distilled twice on soft Cawdor Burn water, for a clean, floral spirit with a gentle spice. Maturation in a sherry cask laid dried fruit over the elegant malt. Younger here, it keeps a crisp, fragrant freshness over light honey. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over many years. 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. Royal Brackla was the first Scotch whisky ever to be granted a royal warrant.

At 56.1%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and a gentle vanilla and coconut from the wood, with pear, honey and a warm spice. The texture is smooth and rounded, the fruit lifted by honey. A warming, fruity finish lingers. This is Royal Brackla's refined Highland style.