Royal Brackla 14 Years Old 2011 Cask #5518 (G&M)

This Royal Brackla was from the independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail, a 14 year old Highland malt from 2011, drawn from cask 5518 and bottled at 59.8%. The outturn was 549 bottles. Set on the Cawdor Estate near Nairn, Royal Brackla has distilled since 1812. Today the distillery sits in the John Dewar and Sons stable, owned by Bacardi.

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. Mid age brings a fuller honey and a deeper dried fruit note. The unpeated make lets the wood and the fruit speak without smoke. The King's Own Whisky has carried its royal connection for nearly two centuries. Unpeated and fruit led, the spirit takes sherry and wine casks gracefully. The Cawdor Estate has grown barley and made spirit for two centuries.

At a natural 59.8% it is full and fruity. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and honey, apple and a soft spice sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A baked apple and a warm spice lift it. The close is warm, honey over soft oak. This is a sherried, fruity dram from the far north.