Royal Brackla 12 Years Old 2007 Cask #CM255 (The House of MacDuff)

A Royal Brackla single malt, selected and bottled by The House of MacDuff matured to 12 year old from 2007, drawn from cask CM255 and bottled at 59%. Only 278 bottles were released. Founded in 1812 on the Earl of Cawdor's estate near Nairn, Royal Brackla is the King's Own Whisky. It is one of only three distilleries to carry the Royal name in Scotch.

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. By this age the orchard fruit rounds into honey and a fuller 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. Captain William Fraser, an army man returned from India, built the distillery in 1812.

At its natural 59% it is concentrated. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel, with orchard fruit and a gentle spice. The mouthfeel is round, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. The finish runs honeyed, spiced and soft. This is a polished, fruity Highland whisky.