Royal Brackla 10 Years Old 2008 (Authentic Collection)

This Royal Brackla was from the independent bottler Cadenhead's, a 10 year old from 2008 and bottled at 56.3%. The outturn was 294 bottles. Established in 1812 on the Cawdor Estate near Nairn, Royal Brackla is the King's Own Whisky. 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. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. At a youthful age the fruit is lively and the spice gentle. The unpeated make lets the wood and the fruit speak without smoke. The King's Own Whisky has carried its royal connection for nearly two centuries. Unpeated and fruit led, the spirit takes sherry and wine casks gracefully. The Cawdor Estate has grown barley and made spirit for two centuries. A long, cool maturation rounds the fruit into honey and dried fruit.

At a full 56.3% it is intense yet elegant. Honey, apple and a soft spice sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A baked apple and a warm spice lift it. It finishes clean, elegant and fruity. This is a sherried, fruity dram from the far north.