Royal Brackla 9 Years Old 2012 Cask #493 (Brave New Spirits)

Single malt Royal Brackla, an independent Brave New Spirits bottling, a 9 year old release from 2012, drawn from cask 493 and bottled at 55.9%. The outturn was 313 bottles. Royal Brackla was built in 1812 by Captain William Fraser on the Cawdor Estate near Nairn, and William IV's 1833 warrant made it the King's Own Whisky. It was the first Scotch whisky to hold a royal warrant, renewed by Queen Victoria in 1838.

It was distilled on Cawdor Burn water in tall copper stills, for the fruity, elegant spirit Royal Brackla is known for. A wine cask held it, layering dark fruit over the honeyed malt. Still young, the malt is clean and fruity with a soft spice. Refill oak holds back its sweetness, letting the elegant distillery character lead. Cawdor Burn water and tall stills shape a clean, elegant spirit. The royal warrant set Brackla apart in the early days of legal whisky.

At 55.9%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. The Banyuls brings red fruit, cocoa and a nutty depth, and a fruity, honeyed elegance meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Beneath it run honey, apple and a warm spice. It closes long, fruity and warming. This is an elegant, fruity Highland single malt.