Royal Brackla 14 Years Old 2006 Cask #310822 (Connoisseurs Choice)

Single malt Royal Brackla, an independent Gordon & MacPhail bottling, aged 14 year old from 2006, drawn from cask 310822 and bottled at 59%. Just 229 bottles were filled. Royal Brackla was founded in 1812 on the Cawdor Estate near Nairn; its whisky won the first royal warrant ever given to a Scotch, from William IV. It was the first Scotch whisky to hold a royal warrant, renewed by Queen Victoria in 1838.

It was distilled on Cawdor Burn water in tall copper stills, for the fruity, elegant spirit Royal Brackla is known for. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the fruity character to the fore. By this age the orchard fruit rounds into honey and a fuller spice. Refill oak holds back its sweetness, letting the elegant distillery character lead. A fruity, lightly spiced make sits at the heart of every bottling. Cawdor Burn water and tall stills shape a clean, elegant spirit. The royal warrant set Brackla apart in the early days of legal whisky.

At 59%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. A fruity, honeyed elegance meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Beneath it run honey, apple and a warm spice. Orchard fruit and honey draw out the close. This is an elegant, fruity Highland single malt.