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

A Royal Brackla single malt, selected and bottled by Phil & Simon Thompson, a 10 year old Highland malt from 2014 and bottled at 54.1%. Just 260 bottles were filled. Royal Brackla was first built in 1812 in the Highlands on the estate of Cawdor Castle, and its whisky won the first royal warrant ever given to a Scotch, from William IV. It is one of only three distilleries to carry the Royal name in Scotch.

Double distilled in tall copper pot stills with upward angled lyne arms, giving the refined, lightly spiced make at its heart. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. At a youthful age the fruit is lively and the spice gentle. Years in oak round the spirit, the fruit and spice deepening with age. For generations the malt was a backbone of the Dewar's blends before its single malt revival. It is one of only three distilleries permitted to carry the Royal name in Scotch.

At a full 54.1% it is intense yet elegant. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with orchard fruit and a gentle spice. The mouthfeel is round, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. A long, honeyed finish carries a fruity lift. This is a polished, fruity Highland whisky.