Royal Brackla 9 Years Old 2015 Cask #304290 (Wilson & Morgan)

This Royal Brackla was from the independent bottler Wilson & Morgan, a 9 year old from 2015, drawn from cask 304290 and bottled at 57.1%. A release of 317 bottles. Royal Brackla was established in 1812 in Nairnshire, by Cawdor Castle; the King's Own Whisky earned its royal warrant in 1833. Today the distillery sits in the John Dewar and Sons stable, owned by Bacardi.

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 this age the spirit is fresh and fruity, the orchard fruit and citrus bright. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over time. 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 a full 57.1% it is intense yet elegant. Honey, apple and a soft spice sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. A baked apple and a warm spice lift it. Orchard fruit and honey draw out the close. This is a sherried, fruity dram from the far north.