Royal Brackla 12 Years
Who says that royal whiskies always have to be meek and polite? The Royal Brackla 12 years from the Scottish Highlands region thoroughly dispels such prejudices. This bottling from the traditional distillery in Cawdor proves that even with an alcohol content of just 40%, there can be plenty of steam in the kettle.
Tasting Notes
Nose
There is more going on here than you would expect at 40 per cent. A marvellous aroma of dark plums rises to the nose, accompanied by a pleasant hint of cocoa. This is accompanied by slightly leathery nuances - not necessarily what you would expect after a wellness weekend, but certainly full of character. There is a hint of something musty, which gives the whole thing an earthy depth. Most interesting, however, are the pickled red fruits, which smell like a well-stocked jam jar from grandma's pantry.
Palate
Black pepper dominates the first encounter and makes it clear that this Highland malt makes no compromises. Nutmeg joins the mix and creates a thoroughly spicy mood. If you like it mild, you should perhaps try a Glenfiddich 12 first - this Royal Brackla means business. Sultanas and prunes bring a pleasant sweetness into play, but it never dominates. It's as if someone has added a generous helping of spices to a clay pot full of pickled fruit. This combination works surprisingly well and gives the whisky a nice complexity.
Finish
The finish is quite dry and warming - exactly what you want after a long day. The Royal Brackla finishes with a medium length and shows its peppery side once again. At the end, light fruit orient spices come to the fore again, giving the whole thing a nice finish.
Thoughts
Marcel 79/100
Not a whisky for the faint-hearted, but that’s exactly what makes the Royal Brackla 12 Years so exciting – full of spice and character, and genuinely enjoyable. A Highland malt that leaves a definite impression with its intense aroma and a hint of grandma’s jam jar. For anyone who likes their whisky with a good kick of pepper and fruit, this one is a bullseye.
Sascha 79/100
The Royal Brackla 12 Years impresses with a remarkable balance between spicy pepper notes and fruity complexity, despite its moderate 40% ABV. Its clear structure and dry finish show that this is no watered-down Highland malt, but a spirit with strong character that especially appeals to connoisseurs. A solid representative of the distillery, scoring points with its harmonious interplay of spices and fruity accents.
Value for Money: Fair
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79/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Royal Brackla 12 Years differ from other Highland whiskies?
The Royal Brackla 12 Years stands out due to its spicy and complex aroma dominated by black pepper and nutmeg. Unlike many mild Highland whiskies, it delivers a pronounced spiciness and an earthy depth, making it more characterful and less gentle.
Why does the Royal Brackla 12 Years have such an intense flavor despite its 40% alcohol content?
Although the alcohol level is moderate, the combination of ripe fruit notes like plums and red preserved fruits alongside spicy elements such as pepper and nutmeg creates a surprisingly full and complex tasting experience.
What does it mean that the Royal Brackla 12 Years has an 'earthy depth' and 'slightly musty' notes?
These terms describe aromas reminiscent of damp earth or old warehouses, giving the whisky a natural, grounded character. Such notes are typical for some Highland whiskies and contribute to the complexity and uniqueness of the Royal Brackla.