Royal Brackla 10 Years Old JE (James Eadie)

James Eadie selected this Royal Brackla, a 10 year old Highland malt from 2014, drawn from cask 1598 + 303564 and bottled at 46%. Only 1155 bottles were released. Royal Brackla was founded in 1812 by Captain William Fraser on the Earl of Cawdor's estate near Nairn, and it was crowned the first Royal distillery by William IV in 1833. Cawdor Castle, said to inspire Shakespeare's Macbeth, stands on the same estate.

The spirit was made in copper pot stills after a long fermentation, for a fruity, honeyed make of real finesse. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Still young, the malt is clean and fruity with a soft spice. Patient maturation turns the orchard fruit towards honey and dried fruit. Royal Brackla was the first Scotch whisky ever to be granted a royal warrant. The distillery sits on the Cawdor Estate, whose castle is tied to the legend of Macbeth.

Bottled at 46%, it is rounded. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel, with pear, honey and a warm spice. The texture is smooth and rounded, the fruit lifted by honey. A long, honeyed finish carries a fruity lift. This is Royal Brackla's refined Highland style.