The Royal Brackla Scotch whisky brand has re-launched its core range of expressions, re-imagining the line up with maturation and finishing in selected casks.
Malt Master Stephanie Macleod found, through what’s described as extensive research, that Royal Brackla’s whisky holds up well “for taking on fortified wine finishes as the fruity, grassiness of the distillery’s character favours this perfectly. After several years of trialling and exploring different sherries, Stephanie has chosen to showcase three types from Bodegas Jose y Miguel Martin in Jerez, Spain in each expression.”
“Royal Brackla possesses a clean acidity which allows it to cut through the powerful flavours taken on during ageing in ex-Sherry casks,” said Macleod in a prepared statement. “The type of cask is always chosen to complement the distillery’s signature character, not mask it. Finishing the aged spirit in these prized wooden vessels imparts each expression with incredible complexity, each with their own nuances and all with a superbly balanced finish, but most importantly, still allowing for Royal Brackla’s flavour profile to shine through.
“The secondary maturation phase gives an extra dimension to the whisky – like a layer of icing on a cake – it adds the finishing touch. The result is a sumptuous, fruitful dram with rich sherried notes and soft spicy overtones.”
The newly available offerings includes Royal Brackla 12 Year Old, Royal Brackla 18 Year Old and Royal Brackla 21 Year Old, all bottled at a higher ABV of 46%, compared to the previous strength of 40% ABV and without the use of caramel colouring and chill filtration. More official details on each can be found below, and it should be noted they are available to purchase in select markets in the US now including New York, DC and Chicago.
Royal Brackla 12 Year Old, 46% ABV, finished in Oloroso Sherry casks
- SRP $70.99
- Oloroso was chosen to age the 12 Year Old as it bestows notes of chocolate covered almonds, muscovado sugar and ripe fruits.
- Tasting notes: Ripe peaches, apples, black cherries, marzipan, chocolate covered almonds and muscovado sugar
- Finish: Rich and exuberant – the full-bodied spice of Oloroso, and the bright summer breeze of Royal Brackla elegantly combine as a smooth and inviting dram
Royal Brackla 18 Year Old, 46% ABV, finished in Palo Cortado Sherry casks
- SRP $299.99
- The casks from this unusual Sherry were chosen to finish the 18 Year Old because it brings citrus notes and builds flavours of creamy vanilla, spices and soft fruits.
- Tasting notes: Vanilla and caramel, with a fresh citrus note
- Finish: Enticing and complex – rich spices, creamy vanilla, big, succulent soft fruits and cocoa powder, brightened with a zing of citrus
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old, 46% ABV, finished in Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso and Palo Cortado Sherry casks
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- SRP $599.99
- For the 21 Year Old expression, Stephanie has layered casks from three sherries together to create further complexity in this elegant whisky. A blend of Pedro Ximénez, alongside Oloroso and Palo Cortado, is used to finish the oldest expression; the combination was picked as they create a wonderful balance of Sherry and oak revealing each of their influences all in harmony.
- Tasting notes: Thick toffee notes, stewed fruits and muscovado sugar
- Finish: Regal and assured – syrupy toffee notes with richly fragrant stewed fruits warmed by the sun and dusted in cinnamon and muscovado sugar
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