Royal Brackla 12 years Whisky Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Highland, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation and Maturation Process: Slowly distilled, finished in the finest oak with a rich finish in supreme quality Oloroso sherry butts.
Age Statement: 12 years
ABV: 40%
Price Range: $50 - $60
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the influence of Oloroso sherry butts suggests a rich color.
Bottle Design: Heavy bottle, double the weight of standard bottles, with a unique shape including a hole at the bottom and the year 1812 embossed on the top, indicating its historical significance.

Balance of Flavors: Full and complex, with a balance between sherry sweetness and nutty, spicy notes.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky starts with a perception of being watery, which quickly transforms into a smooth oiliness and then into spiciness. Notable for its intense nose despite its 40% ABV.
Comparison: Not directly compared to other whiskies, but its complexity and fullness are highlighted as exceptional for a 12-year-old whisky.

Founding: Founded by William Fraser, a captain in the Royal Navy, in 1812 during a time when distilling in the Highlands was forbidden.
Royal Warrant: Granted a Royal Warrant by King William IV in 1833, making it the first whisky distillery to receive such an honor.
Historical Closure and Reopening: Closed in the 1980s due to the British recession, reopened in 1991. Briefly mentioned is a Flora and Fauna bottling of Royal Brackla, 10 years old, as the only whisky felt as an original from the distillery before the discussed 12-year-old release.

Historical Significance: Emphasizes the distillery's long history and its pioneering status in receiving a Royal Warrant.
Geographical Significance: Sourcing malt locally and using the "chorus burns pure water" highlights the distillery's connection to its Highland location.

"Full and complex. Quite spicy. A lot of wonderful sherry. In and of oranges. Yeah. And then coming up some almonds. A little nuttiness."
"A really really good one for a 12 year old but 53 euros 50 pounds 60 dollars for a 12 year old is that too much yeah a good one."
"The devotion to quality that raised royal breckler to its exalted position remains unchanged."

Royal Brackla 12 years is a single malt Scotch whisky with a rich history and a complex flavor profile, matured in Oloroso sherry butts.
It was the first distillery to receive a Royal Warrant, highlighting its historical significance.
The whisky offers a full and complex flavor profile, with notes of sherry, oranges, almonds, and a nutty spiciness.
The bottle design is unique and heavy, indicating the distillery's commitment to quality and tradition.
The distillery's history of closure and reopening adds to the whisky's narrative, making it a collector's item and a testament to the resilience of the brand.

Whisky Collectors: Given its unique history, bottle design, and the potential for it to be a limited release, collectors should consider acquiring this whisky.
Fans of Sherry-Finished Whisky: Those who enjoy the rich, complex flavors that come from Oloroso sherry cask maturation will likely appreciate the Royal Brackla 12 years.
History Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in the historical aspects of whisky production, especially the significance of Royal Warrants, will find this whisky particularly engaging.
Beginners to Intermediate Whisky Drinkers: The full yet accessible flavor profile makes it a good choice for those looking to explore whiskies beyond the basic offerings without being overwhelmed.