Royal Brackla 9 Years Old 2006 Cask #840 (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd.)

Bottled by The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd, this Royal Brackla matured to 9 year old from 2006, drawn from cask 840 and bottled at 46%. Only 390 bottles were released. Opened in 1812 in Nairnshire, by Cawdor Castle, Royal Brackla is the King's Own Whisky. Water for the make is drawn from the Cawdor Burn.

Drawn off copper stills with horizontal shell and tube condensers, building the elegant Highland style it is loved for. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. At a youthful age the fruit is lively and the spice gentle. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over time. 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.

At an approachable 46% it is elegant and balanced. Green apple and a fragrant lift sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. It is clean and elegant, the fragrant spirit shining through. It finishes clean, elegant and fruity. This is a Highland malt with a royal past.