Royal Brackla Rare Malts Selection 20 Years Old 1978

A distillery bottling of Royal Brackla, a 20 year old release from 1978 and bottled at 59.8%. Set on the Earl of Cawdor's estate near Nairn, Royal Brackla has distilled since 1812. Cawdor Castle, said to inspire Shakespeare's Macbeth, stands on the same estate.

The spirit was made in copper pot stills after a long fermentation, for a fruity, honeyed make of real finesse. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the fruity character to the fore. Long ageing brings a deep, dried fruit character and a mellow oak spice. Patient maturation turns the orchard fruit towards honey and dried fruit. Queen Victoria renewed the royal warrant in 1838, confirming its regal standing. The house style leans on sherry wood, building a fruity, dried fruit character. Tall copper stills and a long fermentation give an elegant, fragrant spirit. The distillery lies near Nairn, at the edge of the Highlands above Inverness.

Bottled at a cask strength 59.8%, it is rich. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel, with pear, honey and a warm spice. The texture is smooth and rounded, the fruit lifted by honey. A warming, fruity finish lingers. This is Royal Brackla's refined Highland style.