Royal Brackla 9 Years Old 2014 The Single Malts of Scotland Reserve Casks (Elixir)

From Elixir Distillers comes this Royal Brackla, a 9 year old from 2014 and bottled at 48%. Opened in 1812 in the Highlands on the estate of Cawdor Castle, Royal Brackla is the King's Own Whisky. The house style leans on sherry wood, fruity and elegant.

Double distilled in tall copper pot stills with upward angled lyne arms, giving the refined, lightly spiced make at its heart. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Younger here, it keeps a crisp, fragrant freshness over light honey. A gentle, unhurried maturation suits the refined Royal Brackla character. The King's Own Whisky has carried its royal connection for nearly two centuries. 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.

At a full 48% it is intense yet elegant. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under citrus and a floral lift. It is refined and deep, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish runs honeyed, spiced and soft. This is an elegant Highland malt of real depth.