Royal Brackla 14 Years Old 2007 Cask #03086 (BB&R)

From Berry Bros & Rudd comes this Royal Brackla, a 14 year old from 2007, drawn from cask 03086 and bottled at 50.6%. 539 bottles in all. 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. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Mid age brings a fuller honey and a deeper dried fruit note. Long ageing builds a honeyed weight over the fragrant Highland spirit. The malt is prized by blenders for its fragrant, fruity lift. Sherry and wine casks suit the elegant spirit, adding fruit and depth. The distillery was rebuilt and expanded across its long working life. A fruity, lightly spiced make sits at the heart of every bottling. Cawdor Burn water and tall stills shape a clean, elegant spirit.

At 50.6%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. 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.