Royal Brackla 16 Year Old
Royal Brackla · Royal Brackla Distillery
Royal Brackla remains one of the Highlands' least-discussed treasures, and the 16-year expression shows why it deserves more attention. The sherry cask influence is measured, never heavy-handed, allowing the distillery's naturally fruity character to shine. A refined whisky for contemplative evenings.
Nose
Ripe peach and honey dominate the opening, followed by a wave of sherry-soaked dried fruit and a floral rosewater quality. There's a creamy, almost buttery undertone that holds everything together.
Palate
Honeyed malt arrives first, then transitions into poached stone fruit and a gentle clove warmth. The texture is medium-bodied and remarkably smooth, with hazelnut and dark chocolate appearing at the edges.
Finish
Long and warming, with lingering dried apricot, vanilla, and a whisper of oak spice that fades gracefully.
- Region
- Highlands
- Cask Type
- Oloroso sherry and ex-bourbon
- Peat Level (PPM)
- Unpeated
- Distillation
- Double pot still distillation
- Maturation
- Aged in first-fill oloroso sherry casks and American oak ex-bourbon barrels
- Chill-Filtered
- Yes
Cocktail Suggestion
Highland Honey — 2 oz Royal Brackla 16 · 0.5 oz heather honey syrup · 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice · 2 dashes orange bitters · Stir honey syrup with whisky until dissolved, add remaining ingredients with ice, stir, strain into a rocks glass over a large cube, garnish with a lemon twist.
Food Pairing
Honey-glazed duck breast with roasted stone fruit
Founded in 1812 on the banks of the River Cawdor near Nairn, Royal Brackla was the first distillery granted a Royal Warrant by King William IV in 1835, drawing its water from the Cawdor Burn that flows through ancient Highland limestone.
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