Whisky Review/Tasting: Royal Brackla 10 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Royal Brackla Distillery
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation Date: July 7, 2006
Bottling Date: September 8, 2017
Age Statement: 10 years
ABV: 43%
Maturation: Matured in refill hogsheads, specifically two casks (310856 and 310858) were mixed together, resulting in a total of 766 bottles.
Color and Clarity: Light, indicating the use of refill casks and chill filtration.
Bottle Design: Part of the Signatory Vintage Copper Ochre Tube range, indicating a special series by the independent bottler.

Nose: Fruity, with a strong distillery character due to its relatively young age. Notes of tangerine are prominent.
Palate: Light and fruity initially, transitioning to a surprisingly hefty spiciness from the oak, without the typical vanilla and caramel notes. The tangerine note remains strong.
Finish: Pleasant and light with no long aftertaste, encouraging further sipping.

The whisky is from Signatory Vintage, an independent bottler known for showcasing old and inexpensive whiskies. This particular bottle is younger than their typical offerings.
Horst Luening, the host, received this bottle during a visit to the Edradour distillery, where Signatory Vintage is based, in October 2017, making it a brand-new release at the time of the review.

Royal Brackla is located in the Highlands, slightly west, which might cause some confusion regarding its classification as a Speyside or Highland distillery. This geographical detail adds to the whisky's identity and character.

"This is a dangerously sipping whisky," indicating its easy drinkability despite the surprising shift in flavor from light and fruity to spicy oakiness.
The whisky is described as having a "distinct oakiness but not with the vanilla and caramel in front but with a decent spiciness in the back," highlighting its unique flavor profile compared to other whiskies aged in similar conditions.

Royal Brackla 10 Years is a single malt Scotch whisky, matured in refill hogsheads and bottled by Signatory Vintage.
It features a light, fruity profile with a surprising shift to spicy oakiness, without the long aftertaste.
The whisky is part of a special series by Signatory Vintage, known for showcasing unique and often older whiskies.
Its geographical location in the Highlands contributes to its distinct character.
Described as a "dangerously sipping whisky," it's noted for its pleasant yet complex flavor profile.

For the Whisky Novice: This whisky, with its light and fruity profile transitioning to a spicy finish, could be an excellent introduction to the complexity of Scotch whiskies.
For the Whisky Enthusiast: The unique character and story behind this independent bottling, along with its surprising flavor profile, make it a must-try.
For Collectors: The limited bottling and the special series it belongs to could make this a valuable addition to a collection.