Royal Brackla 19 Year Old 1997 Berry Bros & Rudd

King William IV visited the Brackla distillery in 1835. He enjoyed the whisky so much, that he offered them a Royal Warrant. Since then the distillery is known as Royal Brackla. In 1998 the distillery became the property of John Dewar & Sons. There are not many official bottings, but there is a whole range with the independents. This is one from the London company Berry Brothers & Rudd. Bar a mistake on my part, it is their first and so far only bottling of Royal Brackla.

Candy-like and fresh fruity nose on Pink Ladies and gummi cherries. Some wood shavings and a lost almond. Very soft on the spices. Think ginger and liquorice. Nice, but nothing special. Typical spring whisky on the nose.

It is equally candy-like and fruity on the palate, although the apples are now joined by some oranges and lime. The spices are much louder than on the nose. Pepper is now unmistakable, as is a pinch of nutmeg. Some peaches peek around the corner. Mirabelles (small, yellow plums)!

While the finish offers nothing new, it does make me happy.

Lovely no frills spring whisky. Around 110 EUR.

Find where to buy Royal Brackla whisky