The Royal Brackla distillery is located on the Cawdor Estate, near Nairn in the Highlands. Currently operated by John Deward & Sons Ltd for Bacardi, the distillery was built in 1812 by Captain William Fraser of Brackla House. The whisky was selected by King Willian IV to be his whisky at the Royal Court, and in 1833, Brackla Distillery became the first whisky distillery to be granted a Royal Warrant by order of the King, subsequently renewed in 1838 by Queen Victoria. The distillery draws its water from Cawdor Burn, and does their fermentation for a total of over 70 hours. Tall stills designed to allow plenty of reflux are operated slowly in the distillation process to smooth the blend to maximise copper contact and produce a relatively light spirit.
Bottle: A young, vibrant Royal Brackla Single Malt Scotch Whisky 9YO finished in first-fill PX sherry cask, distilled on Valentine's Day 2012, bottled 15 March 2021 at cask strength of 57.3%, selected for us especially by The Single Cask Singapore. Only 150 numbered bottles available.
Label: "You took my breath away the moment I laid eyes on you...and my heart is a-flutter whenever I meet your gaze. The moment I received that rose from you is a moment I will cherish forever. I know our love is young, but it feels like I've known you for so long. Is it okay for me to dream about happily ever after?" Label design by Ashely Jalon "Noomsberry".
Whisky: On the nose, unmistakably young and bold, the sweet sandalwood of the PX sherry shines through, coupled with star anise, peppercorn and other hot spices. The creamy vanilla from its time in a bourbon cask stays in the background, and only comes shyly to the fore with some coaxing and a couple of drops of water. On the palate, medium weighted mouthfeel, vibrant sweetness and perfumed oak, a little heady booziness. A medium long finish of honeyed sultanas and a tinge of bitterness which reminds you of your first love...
Size: 70 cl
ABV: 57.3% (Cask Strength)
Fill level: Good
With box?: No