Royal Brackla 14 Years Old 1991 (Connoisseurs Choice)

Gordon & MacPhail bottled this Royal Brackla single malt, aged 14 year old from 1991 and bottled at 46%. Royal Brackla was established in 1812 in the Highlands on the estate of Cawdor Castle; the King's Own Whisky earned its royal warrant in 1833. 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. A sherry cask shaped it, true to the Royal Brackla house style. Around twelve to sixteen years the malt gains a sherried depth over the fruit. A gentle, unhurried maturation suits the refined Royal Brackla character. For generations the malt was a backbone of the Dewar's blends before its single malt revival. It is one of only three distilleries permitted to carry the Royal name in Scotch.

Bottled at 46%, it is rounded. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and 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. Dried fruit and oak spice see out a long finish. This is a fragrant Highland single malt of real finesse.