Royal Brackla 16 Years Old 2008 Cask #2 (Signatory)

Signatory Vintage bottled this Royal Brackla single malt matured to 16 year old from 2008, drawn from cask 2 and bottled at 58.2%. The outturn was 676 bottles. Opened in 1812 in the Highlands on the estate of Cawdor Castle, 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.

Double distilled in tall copper pot stills with upward angled lyne arms, giving the refined, lightly spiced make at its heart. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. Mid age brings a fuller honey and a deeper dried fruit note. A gentle, unhurried maturation suits the refined Royal Brackla character. A fruity, lightly spiced make sits at the heart of every bottling. Cawdor Burn water and tall stills shape a clean, elegant spirit. The royal warrant set Brackla apart in the early days of legal whisky.

Undiluted at 58.2%, it is layered. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and the refill oak lending honey and vanilla 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.