Royal Brackla 12 Years Old 2011 Cask #93900135 (Duncan Taylor)

Duncan Taylor bottled this Royal Brackla single malt matured to 12 year old from 2011, drawn from cask 93900135 and bottled at 55.1%. Only 749 bottles were released. Set in the Highlands on the estate of Cawdor Castle, Royal Brackla has distilled since 1812. Captain Fraser, late of the army in India, shipped his spirit south to beat the local smugglers.

Double distilled in tall copper pot stills with upward angled lyne arms, giving the refined, lightly spiced make at its heart. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Around twelve to sixteen years the malt gains a sherried depth over the fruit. A gentle, unhurried maturation suits the refined Royal Brackla character. Captain William Fraser, an army man returned from India, built the distillery in 1812. Water for the make is drawn from the Cawdor Burn in the northern Highlands. For generations the malt was a backbone of the Dewar's blends before its single malt revival.

At a hearty 55.1% it carries real weight. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under a refined, fruity sweetness. A dried fruit and a gentle oak spice give it real depth. A warming, fruity finish lingers. This is a fragrant Highland single malt of real finesse.