Royal Brackla 23 Years Old 1972 (Connoisseurs Choice)

Single malt Royal Brackla, an independent Gordon & MacPhail bottling matured to 23 year old from 1972 and bottled at 40%. Royal Brackla was first built in 1812 in Nairnshire, by Cawdor Castle, and it was crowned the first Royal distillery by William IV in 1833. 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. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. Long ageing brings a deep, dried fruit character and a mellow oak spice. The light, elegant spirit shows cask character clearly even after years in oak. Sherry and wine casks suit the elegant spirit, adding fruit and depth. The distillery was rebuilt and expanded across its long working life. A fruity, lightly spiced make sits at the heart of every bottling. Cawdor Burn water and tall stills shape a clean, elegant spirit.

At 40% it is clean and refined. A fruity, honeyed elegance meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Beneath it run honey, apple and a warm spice. It closes long, fruity and warming. This is an elegant, fruity Highland single malt.