Royal Brackla 12 Year (Discontinued)

Like it a lot. A good recommendation for a smooth taste single malt whisky. Can't wait to taste a higher aged one.

complex mix of peat and floral

Salty and sweet with a hinty of herbs

I have seen this on shelves and often wondered about this; tempted to purchase out of sheer curiosity. Decent packaging, majestic name. Well, the wondering is no more. A fruity beginning with a mixture of citrus tangerine, white fruity apples and some tropical kiwi and pineapples. The sweeter notes of vanilla and caramel are swirled in. Lightly toasted whole wheat bread provide some a cereal grains. The nose come through on the palate within a medium body. Apples, vanilla, caramel, orange creamsicle. There is an oaky spice with a dash of black pepper that comes through towards the finish. The finish is bitter and slightly drying with a touch of cucumber and ginger that is medium in length. This is a good whisky that provides some good aromatics and some enjoyable sweetness. It falls a bit short on the palate and finish and encourages another draw sooner than later. For the average shelf price, one is better spending on something else, at a lower cost. Worthy of a taste, though. Thanks @Generously_Paul for the sample. [85/100][Tasted: 6/19/18]

I’m back to knocking down a sample from our Scottish Distillery team: Royal Brackla 12. This sample was provided to the group by @Generously_Paul. Royal Brackla was founded in 1812 and is currently owned by Dewars & Sons. In 1833, they were issued a royal warrant by King William IV and remain as one of only three ever issued the decree (Royal Lochnagar and Glenury Royal). They produce around 3.5 million liters per year and they primarily supply Dewars blends. The Highland 12 year old, single malt is deep gold in color, creates lots of legs and leaves behind large droplets because it’s bottled at the legal minimum of 40% ABV. The nose is heavy on tropical fruit, apples, citrus and muddled mint. There’s some lighter oak notes in the background, as well. The palate suffers from a thin mouthfeel and doesn’t offer much depth. There’s tropical notes, orchard fruits and a little vanilla sweetness. The oak is restrained on the palate just like the nose. The finish is mostly oak, but it’s short and weak. This one begs to be bumped up in the ABV department. Overall, this is another one that happily belongs in blends. I’m not sure it deserves a single malt release, especially at 40%. The royal decree is mostly a gimmick to sell more bottles, while they should focus more on adding depth and complexity IMO. Glad to tick this one off the list, but I’m not a big fan. 3 stars. Cheers.

2018.06.05