Royal Brackla 15 Years Old 1969 Tartan stripe label (G&M)

Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, this Royal Brackla matured to 15 year old from 1969 and bottled at 40%. Set in Nairnshire, by Cawdor Castle, Royal Brackla has distilled since 1812. Water for the make is drawn from the Cawdor Burn.

Drawn off copper stills with horizontal shell and tube condensers, building the elegant Highland style it is loved for. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. Around twelve to sixteen years the malt gains a sherried depth over the fruit. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over time. 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. The distillery sits on the Cawdor Estate, whose castle is tied to the legend of Macbeth.

At 40% it is smooth and fruity. Green apple and a fragrant lift sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. It is clean and elegant, the fragrant spirit shining through. The close is warm, honey over soft oak. This is a Highland malt with a royal past.