Cover Unmistakable in its character, the portfolio of Royal Brackla's whisky is as regal as it gets
Unmistakable in its character, the portfolio of Royal Brackla's whisky is as regal as it gets
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With years of history in not only their whisky but their legacy, explore more of what this royal brand has to offer
The story begins with Brackla, established over two centuries ago in 1812 by Captain William Fraser within the lush Highland estate of Cawdor. It was here that he established a distillery which would eventually capture the attention of the British monarchy, a recognition which arrived in 1833 when the whisky was presented to King William IV.
According to the brand’s sources, the King was so taken by the fragrance and texture of his first sip, that from then on he bestowed upon the distillery the first Royal Warrant ever granted to a Scotch whisky.
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Above First impressions matter to Royal Brackla, as seen as their impressive 12-Year-Old
First impressions matter to Royal Brackla, as seen as their impressive 12-Year-Old
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Stephanie Macleod, the Malt Master of Royal Brackla, is on the journey of perfecting the Art of Sherry Cask Finishing. Using only the finest seasoned oak casks hailing from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, Macleod applies a “finishing touch” that gives the spirit extra layers of complexity.
The Royal Brackla 12-Year-Old is defined by its smooth and inviting nature, and some may even say it greets the senses that is akin to the emotions evoked during a warm, summer breeze. This particular expression is finished in Oloroso sherry casks, and is crucial for the deep richness in the spirit.
Exuberant in its qualities, the full-bodied spice of Oloroso creates a dram that finishes with the tasting notes of ripe peaches, black cherries, chocolate-covered almonds, and muscovado sugar. Not only is this a crowd-pleaser on its own, in a cocktail it gives texture and length to every drink. It is a lush, full-bodied introduction to the distillery’s style.
Above A sweeter profile, the 18-Year-Old still stands as one of their
A sweeter profile, the 18-Year-Old still stands as one of their
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Moving deeper into the portfolio, the Royal Brackla 18-Year-Old offers an expression finished in Palo Cortado sherry casks—something rare and not seen often within the traditional realm of whiskymaking. Born from discovery rather than design, this whisky finishing technique occurs only when a Fino or Amontillado sherry develops a rich character.
On the first sip of this whisky, it blooms with a complex, savoury profile. You’ll find the vibrancy of rich spices and creamy vanilla balanced by the more nuanced flavours of green olive and tobacco, leaving the palate intrigued, looking for more. With more sips, the tongue will come to appreciate the flavours of succulent soft fruits and cocoa powder, made more vibrant at the end of the flavour journey with a distinct zing of citrus.
Above An incredible line up that will never disappoint
An incredible line up that will never disappoint
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As the portfolio ages, it shows more artistry in the skill of blending. The Royal Brackla 21-Year-Old is a testament to Macleod’s knowledge of blending and approach to flavour. Rather than relying on a single cask type, this expression is finished in a trinity of sherry casks that include Pedro Ximénez (PX), Oloroso, and Palo Cortado.
The result is a regal and assured whisky with the convergence of three distinct personalities. Harmony resides in every sip. Warming cinnamon spice from the Oloroso, the Palo Cortado lifts with a citrussy flavour, the PX adds a deep, reliable sweetness. Beginning your sip with syrupy toffee notes and fragrant summer berries, it has the underlying flavour of cinnamon wafting through.
Above The 21-Year-Old is within a league of its own
The 21-Year-Old is within a league of its own
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Last but not least is the 25-Year-Old. Unlike the rest of the spirits in the brand, this one spends its first 25 years maturing in first-fill Bourbon barrels before adding the finishing touch of a PX cask.
The influence of the PX cask is unmistakable. It is rich and serene, with luscious flavours of summer fruits overlaid with spice-laden raisins and dried figs. Upon further tastings, the aroma melts into pools of milk chocolate and ground coffee, leaving a finish that is endless and deliciously complex.
Credits
Images: Royal Brackla
