Royal Brackla 10 Years Old 2014 Small Batch Edition #17 (Signatory)

Signatory Vintage selected this Royal Brackla, a 10 year old release from 2014 and bottled at 48.2%. Royal Brackla, built in 1812 by Captain William Fraser in the Highlands on the estate of Cawdor Castle, is the first Royal distillery in Scotch. Cawdor Castle, said to inspire Shakespeare's Macbeth, stands on the same estate.

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 this age the spirit is fresh and fruity, the orchard fruit and citrus bright. Years in oak round the spirit, the fruit and spice deepening with age. 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.

Bottled at a cask strength 48.2%, it is rich. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with pear, honey and a warm spice. The texture is smooth and rounded, the fruit lifted by honey. The finish is deep, spiced and rounded. This is Royal Brackla's refined Highland style.