Royal Brackla 11 Years Old 2006 Cask #310845 (van Wees)

From van Wees comes this Royal Brackla matured to 11 year old from 2006, drawn from cask 310845 and bottled at 58.7%. The outturn was 263 bottles. Established in 1812 on the Cawdor Estate of Macbeth fame, Royal Brackla is the King's Own Whisky. The house style leans on sherry wood, fruity and elegant.

It was distilled twice on soft Cawdor Burn water, for a clean, floral spirit with a gentle spice. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Younger here, it keeps a crisp, fragrant freshness over light honey. Long ageing builds a honeyed weight over the fragrant Highland spirit. Captain William Fraser, an army man returned from India, built the distillery in 1812. Water for the make is drawn from the Cawdor Burn in the northern Highlands. 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 its natural 58.7% it is concentrated. A gentle vanilla and coconut from the wood runs under citrus and a floral lift. It is refined and deep, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish runs honeyed, spiced and soft. This is an elegant Highland malt of real depth.