Royal Brackla 10 Years 2014/2024 - Thompson Bros
Who would have thought that such a treasure was hidden behind the unassuming name Royal Brackla? The distillery from the Scottish Highlands often leads a shadowy existence alongside the big names, but Thompson Bros impressively proves with this 10-years bottling why Royal Brackla deserves the title "The King's Own Whisky".
Tasting Notes
Nose
The very first swirl in the glass reveals the impressive complexity of this Royal Brackla. The nose is very malty, forming a solid foundation of roasted grain reminiscent of freshly baked bread. Above this malty base, floral notes unfold, reminiscent of heather blossoms and delicate meadow flowers – typical of the Highland region and wonderfully balanced. The lemon zest is particularly appealing, adding a fresh, lively note to the aroma profile without being overpowering. The sweet, oily texture of the aromas envelops the senses and carries a hint of vanilla that harmonises perfectly with the burnt toast. These roasted aromas are never bitter, but lend the whisky a comforting warmth. The overall impression on the nose is remarkably clean and rounded.
Palate
The oily, smooth texture caresses the mouth and carries the flavours with an almost buttery creaminess. The ginger stands out clearly and brings a pleasant, warming spiciness that perfectly complements the cask strength and never seems aggressive. The malty-sweet notes from the nose continue and are complemented by a surprisingly fruity component: candied pear is elegant and gives the whisky a subtle sweetness reminiscent of high-quality patisserie. This fruitiness is not overpowering, but blends harmoniously into the overall picture and ensures a perfect balance between malt, spices and sweet elements.
Finish
The ginger flavour continues on the palate, creating a warming effect that spreads pleasantly throughout the mouth and throat. The oak profile that emerges in the finish is particularly impressive – not too dominant, but present enough to make the 10 years of ageing noticeable. The medium-length finish is just right and is rounded off by a slightly herbal note that is strikingly reminiscent of Ricola lemon.
🥃 We would like to give you the opportunity to participate in a private bottle sharing at cost price with this bottle.
To our bottle sharingsThoughts
Marcel 85/100
A true Highland hidden gem that delights with its malty warmth and lively ginger kick. The Royal Brackla 10 Years proves that enjoyment doesn’t always have to shout — sometimes it whispers charmingly and remains unforgettable.
Sascha 86/100
This Royal Brackla impresses with a balanced structure of a malty base, floral Highland notes, and precisely measured fruitiness. The complex interplay between texture, spice, and oak makes it a technically convincing example of a high-quality cask strength whisky.
Value for Money: Good
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87/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Royal Brackla 10 Years 2014/2024 from Thompson Bros special compared to other Highland whiskies?
This whisky stands out for its complex aroma profile, combining malty notes with floral elements and a lively freshness from lemon zest. The cask strength of 55.3% gives it an intense yet balanced presence, while the 10-year maturation delivers a harmonious oak character with a warming ginger note on the finish.
How does the cask strength of 55.3% influence the taste and drinkability of this whisky?
The high cask strength ensures an intense unfolding of aromas and an oily, almost buttery texture. Despite its power, the ginger spice remains pleasantly warming and never aggressive. Many enthusiasts prefer to add a few drops of water to the whisky to perceive the flavors even more delicately.
What flavor influences does the 10-year maturation bring to the Royal Brackla 10 Years 2014/2024?
The 10 years in oak casks impart a subtle yet present oak profile that rounds off the finish with a medium-length, slightly herbal note. At the same time, the maturation creates a balanced harmony between malt, sweet fruit notes like candied pear, and spicy elements such as ginger.