Royal Brackla 16 Year

The distillery set-up is all about creating and then capturing esters – the fermentation is long, the lyne arms of the stills are angled upwards, the copper conversation a long one, the reflux plentiful. Always closely associated with blending, Andrew Usher, recognised as having made the first commercially successful blend, was agent for Royal Brackla and became a director and part-owner in 1887. Having a fresh, perfumed fruitiness Brackla also possesses a clean acidity, and it is this which allows it to cut though the powerful flavours given during aging in ex-Sherry casks, the maturation style chosen by Dewar’s for its single malt releases.

Nose: Lightly spicy nose with hints of green peppercorn. Hints of banana lurking in the background.

Palate: Fruity notes of stewed plums and dry sherry. Not overly sweet. Prune and baked fig on the back palate.

Finish: Medium length, tannic dryness lasts into the finish with dark chocolate nibs arriving late.