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Whisky Review: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

We review the new 21-year-old release of Royal Brackla. It's aged in several types of sherry casks.

OVERALL RATING

10
$599.99
  • Ian Arnold, ex-bartender and whisky enthusiast, now navigates the IT world.
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Royal Brackla 21 Year (image via Royal Brackla)

Tasting Notes

About:

46% ABV. Aged 21 years and finished in oloroso, Palo Cortado, and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. No caramel coloring or chill filtration. SRP $599.99.
Appearance:
This is a rich amber in color with long slow legs.
Nose:
Nectarine and honey are the first thing I get on the nose. Black pepper and baking spice with a rich caramel are backing up the fruity scent.
Palate:
The initial taste of this is quite complex. I get some tropical fruit, rich and nutty caramel, and a black pepper spice. Really get the taste of the malt at the transition to the finish that tastes like I just put malted barley into my mouth. Finish has a bit of citrus and bitterness that makes me think of hops. It also has a little funk to it with a touch of sulfur and a dry vegetal quality. Finish is long but light. While this certainly didn’t need water the addition brought out even more of what I got in the nose with more sweetness on the front and spice on the mid palate. I also found the touch of water made the finish much cleaner.
Finish:
Comments:
This is an excellent sipping whisky that has a nice progression from richer flavors to a light finish. The finish won’t be for everyone with flavors that are a tad funky and almost beer-like. I think this new offering from Royal Brackla does a good job of representing the history of its distillery.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Ian Arnold

Ian Arnold brings eight years of bartending expertise to the table, having honed his skills in renowned establishments across California, Australia, and Portland. His most recent position behind the bar was at the esteemed Multnomah Whisk(e)y Library. A dedicated member of the Oregon Bartenders' Guild's leadership team, Ian also served as a judge for numerous cocktail competitions. Currently working in the IT field, he continues to delight guests with his bartending prowess. In his leisure time, Ian enjoys playing board games and savoring the complexities of Japanese whisky.

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