Royal Brackla – 21 Year Old (70cl, 46%)

This is a 21-year-old Highland single malt from Royal Brackla, bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle. It matured first in American oak, then was finished in three styles of sherry cask: Oloroso, Palo Cortado and Pedro Ximénez. It is non-chill-filtered and has no added colour. Each sherry style adds something different. Oloroso brings spice and dried fruit, Palo Cortado fruit and nutty notes, and Pedro Ximénez a concentrated, syrupy sweetness. The mouthfeel is full and velvety. The nose has ripe raspberries and dark cherries with cinnamon. The palate offers juicy blackberries and elderberry with winter spices. The long, balanced finish leaves fruit and fine cinnamon spice.