Royal Brackla 11 Years Old 2011 Cask #9337309 + 9337319 (Duncan Taylor)

Bottled by Duncan Taylor, this Royal Brackla, an 11 year old Highland malt from 2011, drawn from cask 9337309 + 9337319 and bottled at 53.6%. The outturn was 162 bottles. Royal Brackla was founded in 1812 on the Cawdor Estate near Nairn; the King's Own Whisky earned its royal warrant in 1833. Water for the make is drawn from the Cawdor Burn.

It was distilled on Cawdor Burn water in tall copper stills, for the fruity, elegant spirit Royal Brackla is known for. Maturation in a sherry cask laid dried fruit over the elegant malt. Still young, the malt is clean and fruity with a soft spice. The unpeated make lets the wood and the fruit speak without smoke. The spirit was long destined for blends before its single malt revival. 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.

At 53.6%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and green apple and a fragrant lift sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. It is clean and elegant, the fragrant spirit shining through. Orchard fruit and honey draw out the close. This is a Highland malt with a royal past.