Royal Brackla 15 Years Old 1998 (Connoisseurs Choice)

A Royal Brackla single malt, selected and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail matured to 15 year old from 1998 and bottled at 46%. Royal Brackla was built in 1812 by Captain William Fraser on the Cawdor Estate of Macbeth fame, and it became the first Scotch granted a royal warrant, by William IV in 1833. It is one of only three distilleries to carry the Royal name in Scotch.

It was distilled twice on soft Cawdor Burn water, for a clean, floral spirit with a gentle spice. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. Past a decade the fruit deepens into honey, dried fruit and a warm spice. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over many years. The distillery lies near Nairn, at the edge of the Highlands above Inverness. Owned today by John Dewar and Sons, part of Bacardi, it remains a quiet Highland name. Fraser shipped his spirit south to England to outpace the local smugglers of his day.

At 46% it is soft, honeyed and fragrant. A gentle vanilla and coconut from the wood, with orchard fruit and a gentle spice. The mouthfeel is round, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. A long, honeyed finish carries a fruity lift. This is a polished, fruity Highland whisky.