Royal Brackla 8 Years Old 2014 Cask #26 (A.D. Rattray)

Single malt Royal Brackla, an independent A.D. Rattray bottling matured to 8 year old from 2014, drawn from cask 26 and bottled at 57.9%. Only 335 bottles were released. Set near Nairn, on the Cawdor Estate, Royal Brackla has distilled since 1812. It was the first Scotch whisky to hold a royal warrant, renewed by Queen Victoria in 1838.

The spirit was run through lamp glass spirit stills for a clean, fruity spirit, to build a fragrant, orchard fruit character. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Still young, the malt is clean and fruity with a soft spice. A long fermentation of up to 110 hours builds the fruity esters at the heart of the spirit. The distillery sits on the Cawdor Estate, whose castle is tied to the legend of Macbeth. Captain William Fraser, an army man returned from India, built the distillery in 1812. Water for the make is drawn from the Cawdor Burn in the northern Highlands.

At a hearty 57.9% it carries real weight. A fruity, honeyed elegance meet soft vanilla and honey from the cask. 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.