Royal Brackla 13 Years Old 2001 Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited Edition (Morrison and MacKay)

This Royal Brackla was from the independent bottler Morrison and MacKay, a 13 year old from 2001 and bottled at 46%. A release of 777 bottles. Royal Brackla was founded in 1812 on the Cawdor Estate near Nairn; it was crowned the first Royal distillery by William IV in 1833. Today the distillery sits in the John Dewar and Sons stable, owned by Bacardi.

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. Around twelve to sixteen years the malt gains a sherried depth over the fruit. The unpeated make lets the wood and the fruit speak without smoke. Tall copper stills and a long fermentation give an elegant, fragrant spirit. The distillery lies near Nairn, at the edge of the Highlands above Inverness. Owned today by John Dewar and Sons, part of Bacardi, it remains a quiet Highland name.

At 46% it is soft, honeyed and fragrant. Honey, apple and a soft spice sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A baked apple and a warm spice lift it. Orchard fruit and honey draw out the close. This is a sherried, fruity dram from the far north.