Royal Brackla 10 Years Old 2014 (Phil & Simon Thompson) (55.3%)

This Royal Brackla was from the independent bottler Phil & Simon Thompson matured to 10 year old from 2014 and bottled at 55.3%. The outturn was 387 bottles. Founded in 1812 near Nairn, on the Cawdor Estate, Royal Brackla is the King's Own Whisky. Today the distillery sits in the John Dewar and Sons stable, owned by Bacardi.

The spirit was run through lamp glass spirit stills for a clean, fruity spirit, to build a fragrant, orchard fruit character. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Still young, the malt is clean and fruity with a soft spice. The clean, fruity new make takes wood gracefully across long maturation. Queen Victoria renewed the royal warrant in 1838, confirming its regal standing. The house style leans on sherry wood, building a fruity, dried fruit character. Tall copper stills and a long fermentation give an elegant, fragrant spirit.

At a natural 55.3% it is full and fruity. Honey, apple and a soft spice sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. 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.