Royal Brackla 15 Years Old 2010 (Brachadair)

A Royal Brackla single malt, selected and bottled by Brachadair, aged 15 year old from 2010 and bottled at 46.1%. Royal Brackla, founded in 1812 by Captain William Fraser on the Cawdor Estate of Macbeth fame, is the first Royal distillery in Scotch. 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. Maturation in a wine cask lent berry fruit and a soft spice. Mid age brings a fuller honey and a deeper dried fruit note. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over many years. Fraser shipped his spirit south to England to outpace the local smugglers of his day. 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.

At an easy 46.1% it is gentle. The Port cask adds plum, red berry and raisin, and 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. The finish is deep, spiced and rounded. This is a polished, fruity Highland whisky.