Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

Description

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old Bottling Note

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky produced by the Royal Brackla Distillery, a historic site founded in 1812 by Captain William Fraser near Cawdor, Scotland.

This distillery holds the distinction of being the first Scotch whisky producer to receive a Royal Warrant, granted by King William IV in 1833. The 21 Year Old expression represents the pinnacle of the distillery’s core range, showcasing the depth and complexity that comes with extended maturation and meticulous cask selection.

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is matured in American oak casks for over two decades before undergoing a finishing process in a trio of premium sherry casks: Oloroso, Palo Cortado, and Pedro Ximénez. Each cask type contributes distinct layers to the whisky’s profile—Oloroso adds structure and nuttiness, Palo Cortado imparts a refined dryness and spice, while Pedro Ximénez enhances the richness with subtle sweetness. This multi-cask finish is carefully blended to achieve a harmonious balance of character and depth.

Bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, the whisky retains its full-bodied texture and natural complexity. The absence of chill filtration allows the original oils and esters to remain, enhancing mouthfeel and aromatic intensity. The result is a whisky that reflects both the regal heritage of Royal Brackla and the nuanced influence of its sherry cask finishing.

Released as a limited annual expression, Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is crafted for those who appreciate the interplay of long aging and sophisticated wood management in Highland single malts.

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old Tasting Note

Nose: This nose is exceptionally fragrant and deep, opening with rich notes of aged leather, pipe tobacco, and crystallized ginger. It quickly develops into layers of poached pear, soft apricot preserves, and dark honey, underpinned by a faint, waxy minerality.

Palate: The texture is notably smooth and oily, demonstrating its age. The flavor profile is a masterful blend of rich oak and subtle sherry influence from its triple-cask finish (Oloroso, Palo Cortado, and Pedro Ximénez). Key notes include dark fruit cake, orange marmalade, toasted almond, and a touch of nutmeg. It maintains a lovely balance, avoiding excessive sweetness.

Finish: Very long and satisfyingly warm. The dry oak structure persists, evolving into notes of dark cocoa and sweet tobacco smoke. The refined fruit character from the P.X. cask lingers beautifully on the back palate.

Overall: An opulent and highly structured single malt that perfectly utilizes its multi-sherry cask maturation to deliver a complex, elegant, and deeply rewarding experience.