Royal Brackla 15 Years Old 2006 Cask #93311998 (Duncan Taylor)

This Royal Brackla was from the independent bottler Duncan Taylor matured to 15 year old from 2006, drawn from cask 93311998 and bottled at 54.4%. Only 494 bottles were released. Set near Nairn, on the Cawdor Estate, Royal Brackla has distilled since 1812. Today the distillery sits in the John Dewar and Sons stable, owned by Bacardi.

The spirit was run through lamp glass spirit stills for a clean, fruity spirit, to build a fragrant, orchard fruit character. A Cognac cask held it, adding grape and a floral note. Mid age brings a fuller honey and a deeper dried fruit note. The clean, fruity new make takes wood gracefully across long maturation. 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 cask strength 54.4% it is full bodied. The Cognac brings grape, dried fruit and a floral note, and honey, apple and a soft spice sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. 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.