Royal Brackla 16 Years Old 2008 Cask #9 (Signatory)

Bottled by Signatory Vintage, this Royal Brackla, a 16 year old Highland malt from 2008, drawn from cask 9 and bottled at 57.9%. Just 671 bottles were filled. Royal Brackla was built in 1812 by Captain William Fraser on the Cawdor Estate near Nairn, and it was crowned the first Royal distillery by William IV in 1833. Water for the make is drawn from the Cawdor Burn.

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. Around twelve to sixteen years the malt gains a sherried depth over the fruit. The unpeated make lets the wood and the fruit speak without smoke. Sherry and wine casks suit the elegant spirit, adding fruit and depth. The distillery was rebuilt and expanded across its long working life.

At its natural 57.9% it is concentrated. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and green apple and a fragrant lift sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. It is clean and elegant, the fragrant spirit shining through. It closes long, fruity and warming. This is a Highland malt with a royal past.