Royal Brackla 18 Years Old 1999 (Connoisseurs Choice)

From Gordon & MacPhail comes this Royal Brackla, an 18 year old from 1999 and bottled at 46%. Royal Brackla, first built in 1812 on the Earl of Cawdor's estate near Nairn, is the first Royal distillery in Scotch. The house style leans on sherry wood, fruity and elegant.

The spirit was made in copper pot stills after a long fermentation, for a fruity, honeyed make of real finesse. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. At this age it is polished and full, the fruit folded into a rich, spiced body. Sherry wood is central to the house style, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. Brackla earned the prefix Royal long before most distilleries had a brand at all. The malt is prized by blenders for its fragrant, fruity lift. Sherry and wine casks suit the elegant spirit, adding fruit and depth. The distillery was rebuilt and expanded across its long working life.

At an easy 46% it is gentle. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel runs under citrus and a floral lift. It is refined and deep, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish is deep, spiced and rounded. This is an elegant Highland malt of real depth.