Royal Brackla 2009/2021 11 Years - van Wees
After 11 years of maturation in Scottish warehouses, this Royal Brackla is presented at 46% ABV – a strength that promises to unfold its royal flavours while remaining drinkable for us mere mortals.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Vanilla quark floats elegantly from the glass, accompanied by malty base notes that immediately spread cosiness. It's like walking through the kitchen of a castle where fresh white bread is being baked – slightly yeasty, warm and inviting. But Royal Brackla wouldn't be royal if it didn't have something special: floral notes dance through the air like petals in the castle grounds, while grainy components provide a solid base. Apricot aromas sneak in discreetly – sweet, juicy and tempting. The highlight? Sandalwood notes that lend the whole an almost exotic elegance, followed by creamy marshmallows that awaken every childhood dream. This olfactory spectacle is rounded off by subtle nutty tones – sophisticated, but never intrusive.
Palate
The first sip starts like a fairy tale: sweet and creamy, the Royal Brackla caresses the tongue as if the royal chef himself were serving you the finest dessert. You think to yourself, "Ah, this is going to be a relaxing evening!" But then – twist! Suddenly, a bitter wood note makes itself heard, as if the court jester had entered the hall unannounced. This bitterness is not necessarily unpleasant, but it is definitely surprising. It's as if the king suddenly shows his serious side. Slightly soapy notes join in (presumably the result of very clean distillation), while oatmeal textures provide a full-bodied feel. A subtle hint of liquorice hovers in the background – not dominant, but present enough to complete the flavour profile.
Finish
The finale is a mixture of nostalgia and reality. Vanilla returns like an old friend, accompanied by notes of yeast dough reminiscent of Sunday mornings at the bakery. Surprisingly, gummy bear flavours join in – who would have thought that Her Majesty had a sweet tooth?
Thoughts
Marcel 72/100
Royal Brackla 2009/2021 is a whisky with heart – the sweet vanilla notes and warm maltiness invite you to dream, even though the surprising bitterness can be a bit of an outlier. For anyone who enjoys a little royal surprise in their glass, it’s a charming companion full of character.
Sascha 74/100
In terms of balance, the Royal Brackla 2009/2021 impresses with a clear structure and delicate floral nuances, yet the sudden bitterness on the finish feels somewhat disruptive and breaks the harmony. A solid Highland whisky with good potential, though it still leaves room for more complexity.
Value for Money: Fair
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How does the 11-year maturation influence the taste of the Royal Brackla 2009/2021?
The 11-year maturation gives the Royal Brackla a well-balanced blend of sweet vanilla and malt notes alongside complex aromas like sandalwood and floral hints. At the same time, the aging period imparts a subtle wood bitterness that adds depth and character to the whisky.
What does the bottling by the independent bottler van Wees mean for this whisky?
Van Wees is an independent bottler who selectively purchases and bottles whiskies from various distilleries. This allows the Royal Brackla 2009/2021 to highlight special characteristics that are less emphasized in the distillery’s standard releases, such as an unadulterated and intense flavor at 46% ABV.
Which flavor notes make this Royal Brackla stand out compared to other Highland whiskies?
The Royal Brackla 2009/2021 is distinguished by an unusual combination of creamy sweetness, floral and fruity apricot aromas, and a surprising bitter wood note. These are complemented by sandalwood-like elegance, nutty tones, and a subtle licorice note, setting it apart from other Highland whiskies.