Royal Brackla 14 Years Old 2009 Cask #6423 (Connoisseurs Choice)

Gordon & MacPhail bottled this Royal Brackla single malt, a 14 year old release from 2009, drawn from cask 6423 and bottled at 52.8%. A release of 109 bottles. Established in 1812 on the Cawdor Estate of Macbeth fame, Royal Brackla is the King's Own Whisky. Captain Fraser, late of the army in India, shipped his spirit south to beat the local smugglers.

It was distilled twice on soft Cawdor Burn water, for a clean, floral spirit with a gentle spice. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. Past a decade the fruit deepens into honey, dried fruit and a warm spice. Long ageing builds a honeyed weight over the fragrant Highland spirit. 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. Queen Victoria renewed the royal warrant in 1838, confirming its regal standing.

Undiluted at 52.8%, it is layered. A gentle vanilla and coconut from the wood runs under a refined, fruity sweetness. A dried fruit and a gentle oak spice give it real depth. The finish runs honeyed, spiced and soft. This is a fragrant Highland single malt of real finesse.