Royal Brackla 20 Years Old 1972 (Connoisseurs Choice)

From Gordon & MacPhail comes this Royal Brackla, a 20 year old Highland malt from 1972 and bottled at 40%. Set on the Cawdor Estate of Macbeth fame, Royal Brackla has distilled since 1812. The house style leans on sherry wood, fruity and elegant.

It was distilled twice on soft Cawdor Burn water, for a clean, floral spirit with a gentle spice. An American oak cask shaped it, flattering the elegant, fruity make. At this age it is polished and full, the fruit folded into a rich, spiced body. Long ageing builds a honeyed weight over the fragrant Highland spirit. Unpeated and fruit led, the spirit takes sherry and wine casks gracefully. The Cawdor Estate has grown barley and made spirit for two centuries. A long, cool maturation rounds the fruit into honey and dried fruit. 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.

At an easy 40% it is gentle. A gentle vanilla and coconut from the wood runs under citrus and a floral lift. It is refined and deep, the fruit and oak well matched. A warming, fruity finish lingers. This is an elegant Highland malt of real depth.