Royal Brackla 2014 River Elbe The Old Paddle Steamer (Jack Wiebers Whisky World)

Single malt Royal Brackla, an independent Jack Wiebers Whisky World bottling from 2014 and bottled at 58.7%. Set in Nairnshire, by Cawdor Castle, Royal Brackla has distilled since 1812. It was the first Scotch whisky to hold a royal warrant, renewed by Queen Victoria in 1838.

Drawn off copper stills with horizontal shell and tube condensers, building the elegant Highland style it is loved for. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the fruity character to the fore. Without an age statement, the malt feels well aged, fruity and elegant. The light, elegant spirit shows cask character clearly even after years in oak. 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. Few Highland malts wear their history as openly as this one. The spirit was long destined for blends before its single malt revival.

At a full 58.7% it is intense yet elegant. A fruity, honeyed elegance meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Beneath it run honey, apple and a warm spice. The close is warm, honey over soft oak. This is an elegant, fruity Highland single malt.