Royal Brackla 10 Years Old 2012 Cask #308504 (Finn Thomson)

Finn Thomson selected this Royal Brackla, a 10 year old Highland malt from 2012, drawn from cask 308504 and bottled at 58.2%. 312 bottles in all. Royal Brackla was founded in 1812 on the Cawdor Estate of Macbeth fame; it became the first Scotch granted a royal warrant, by William IV in 1833. Cawdor Castle, said to inspire Shakespeare's Macbeth, stands on the same estate.

It was distilled twice on soft Cawdor Burn water, for a clean, floral spirit with a gentle spice. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. At a youthful age the fruit is lively and the spice gentle. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over many years. The distillery was rebuilt and expanded across its long working life. A fruity, lightly spiced make sits at the heart of every bottling. Cawdor Burn water and tall stills shape a clean, elegant spirit.

Bottled at a cask strength 58.2%, it is rich. A gentle vanilla and coconut from the wood, with pear, honey and a warm spice. The texture is smooth and rounded, the fruit lifted by honey. Dried fruit and oak spice see out a long finish. This is Royal Brackla's refined Highland style.