Royal Brackla 21 Years | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation and Maturation Process: Sherry cask enhanced, matured, and finished with whisky from Oloroso, Palo Cortado, and Pedro Ximenez Xericas casks.
Age Statement: 21 years
ABV: 46%
Filtration and Color: Unchill filtered, uncolored
Appearance: The whisky may exhibit cloudiness when cooled. The bottle design includes a golden stopper and is presented in a box that highlights the distillery's royal warrant and historical silent periods.

Nose: Fruity, sherry notes, with a significant presence of toffee and berries.
Palate: Mouth-watering entry, massive sherry influence, light dark chocolate, and a spiciness likely from cinnamon and oak casks.
Finish: Long-lasting with a rich blend of summer berries, cinnamon, and muscovado sugar. The spiciness intensifies, adding complexity.
Overall: A sophisticated, voluminous whisky with a massive sherry profile and balanced spiciness.

Royal Brackla received the first Royal Warrant ever given to a whisky distillery in Scotland in 1833, awarded by King William IV. This honor was bestowed upon Captain William Fraser, who established the distillery in 1812. The distillery has since been known as "the drink divine" and "the king's own whisky."

The Royal Warrant and the distillery's history are significant, emphasizing Royal Brackla's esteemed position in Scottish whisky heritage. The distillery's periods of silence (1813-1814, 1940-1945, 1964-1966, and 1985-1990) are also highlighted, adding to its storied past.

Horst Luening describes the Royal Brackla 21 Years as "one of the most sophisticated bottles" and highly recommends it, praising its complexity and rich sherry profile.

Royal Brackla 21 Years is a single malt Scotch whisky with a rich sherry influence, matured in a combination of Oloroso, Palo Cortado, and Pedro Ximenez casks. It boasts a complex flavor profile with notes of summer berries, cinnamon, and muscovado sugar. The whisky's history is marked by its distinction of receiving the first Royal Warrant in Scotland, granted by King William IV. This recognition, along with the distillery's storied past, contributes to its cultural and geographical significance. Expert taster Horst Luening highly recommends this sophisticated and voluminous whisky.

For the Sherry Cask Enthusiast: Individuals who appreciate the rich, fruity, and spicy characteristics typical of sherry cask-aged whiskies will find the Royal Brackla 21 Years particularly enjoyable.
For the History Buff: Those interested in the historical and cultural significance of whisky distilleries will be intrigued by Royal Brackla's royal warrant and storied past.
For the Connoisseur: Experienced whisky drinkers looking for complexity, sophistication, and a long-lasting finish will appreciate the depth and quality of this 21-year-old single malt.