Berry Bros unveils Royal Brackla Christmas whisky

London-based Berry Bros & Rudd has released 539 bottles of a 14-year-old single cask Scotch from Royal Brackla Distillery.

The Royal Brackla 2007 PX Finish Cask #03086 is a limited edition expression, launched as a Christmas bottling. The single malt was matured for 12 years in refill hogsheads, followed by an additional two years in fresh ex-Pedro Ximenez Sherry butts. Berry Bros & Rudd spirit buyer Rob Whitehead said: “Tasting Royal Brackla is an infrequent but invariable pleasure. “This particular whisky, after a period of additional maturation in an ex-PX Sherry cask, has a luscious helping of dried fruit richness and nicely supple tannins on the finish. “Whisper it quietly, but this distillery seems to be on a real upswing – and it all starts with their impeccably distilled spirit that seems to marry so beautifully with Sherry cask influence.” On the nose, the liquid delivers spiced aromas of mix of fresh and dried fruits, as well as notes of apples, pears, melon, sticky figs and dates. Meanwhile, the palate presents a thick Sherry wood influence, with prunes, toffee and honeycomb. Jonny Roberts, managing director for Berry Bros & Rudd, said: “Although not the most famous of distilleries, Royal Brackla has a small but fanatical following, there’s even a dedicated Royal Brackla Appreciation Society operating out of Glasgow.” Bottled at 50.6% ABV, the 14-year-old expression retails for RRP £90 (US$122.63). Earlier this year, Berry Bros & Rudd debuted a new collection of single cask whiskies from four Nordic distilleries.