Founded in 1817, Brackla distillery was the first in Scotland to be granted a Royal Warrant, becoming Royal Brackla at the behest of King William IV in 1835.
The distillery was primarily tasked with providing malt for blending, and became part of DCL (now Diageo) in 1943.
It was one of the many distilleries that they were forced to close due to a production surplus in the 1980s however, mothballed between 1985 and 1991.
Royal Brackla was sold along with the rest of those associated with the Dewar's brand to Bacardi in 1998.
It was bottled by United Distillers as part of the Flora & Fauna range, within the Rare Malt Selection, and an 8 year old with its own brand was briefly produced by Diageo.
It was not until 2014 under Bacardi ownership that a widely distributed unique single malt brand first appeared. These releases from prior to this have become increasingly sought after.
This is a rare early release from the Bacardi era, introduced in 1999 alongside the Artic Nip from Aberfeldy.
Please note as this is a vintage whisky, conditions of bottle/label and liquid level can vary.
Nose: Sweet vanilla with tropical fruit aromas, pineapple, mango, and banana. An underlying hint of toasted malt develops.
Palate: Black pepper with green apple and pear flavours initially. Citrus elements develop, orange and lime, with a creamy milk chocolate edge.
Finish: Medium length creamy finish.