Royal Brackla 13 Years Old 2011 Cask #311070 (Finn Thomson)

Single malt Royal Brackla, an independent Finn Thomson bottling, aged 13 year old from 2011, drawn from cask 311070 and bottled at 54.5%. A release of 272 bottles. Royal Brackla, first built in 1812 near Nairn, on the Cawdor Estate, is the first Royal distillery in Scotch. It was the first Scotch whisky to hold a royal warrant, renewed by Queen Victoria in 1838.

The spirit was run through lamp glass spirit stills for a clean, fruity spirit, to build a fragrant, orchard fruit character. An American oak cask shaped it, flattering the elegant, fruity make. By this age the orchard fruit rounds into honey and a fuller spice. A long fermentation of up to 110 hours builds the fruity esters at the heart of the spirit. Brackla earned the prefix Royal long before most distilleries had a brand at all. The malt is prized by blenders for its fragrant, fruity lift. Sherry and wine casks suit the elegant spirit, adding fruit and depth.

At a natural 54.5% it is full and fruity. A fruity, honeyed elegance meet soft vanilla and honey from the cask. Beneath it run honey, apple and a warm spice. A fruity, gently spiced finish lingers long. This is an elegant, fruity Highland single malt.