Royal Brackla 9 Years Old 2010 Finest (Hart Brothers)

Hart Brothers selected this Royal Brackla, a 9 year old from 2010 and bottled at 46%. Royal Brackla, founded in 1812 by Captain William Fraser on the Cawdor Estate of Macbeth fame, is the first Royal distillery in Scotch. Cawdor Castle, said to inspire Shakespeare's Macbeth, stands on the same estate.

It was distilled twice on soft Cawdor Burn water, for a clean, floral spirit with a gentle spice. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. At this age the spirit is fresh and fruity, the orchard fruit and citrus bright. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over many years. Few Highland malts wear their history as openly as this one. The spirit was long destined for blends before its single malt revival. Royal Brackla was the first Scotch whisky ever to be granted a royal warrant. The distillery sits on the Cawdor Estate, whose castle is tied to the legend of Macbeth.

At 46% it is clean and refined. A gentle vanilla and coconut from the wood, with pear, honey and a warm spice. The texture is smooth and rounded, the fruit lifted by honey. The finish is deep, spiced and rounded. This is Royal Brackla's refined Highland style.