Royal Brackla 18 yr Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish Whiskey 750ml

Royal Brackla distillery sits near Nairn in the Scottish Highlands and holds a distinction unique among Scotch producers: it was the first distillery ever granted a Royal Warrant, bestowed by King William IV in 1833. The distillery draws on malted Scottish barley from Bairds Maltsters in Inverness, and its current range of core expressions was overseen by malt master Stephanie Macleod, who finished each release in sherry casks sourced from Bodegas Jose y Miguel Martin in Jerez, Spain.

This 18 Year Old is finished in Palo Cortado sherry casks, a distinctively rare style that begins its life aging under a layer of flor with the intention of becoming a Fino or Amontillado, only for that protective cap to break down partway through, exposing the sherry to oxidation. The result sits stylistically between Oloroso and Amontillado, and here it lends the whisky a fruit-driven complexity rather than the heavier, darker character typical of straight Oloroso finishes. It is bottled at 46% ABV without chill filtration or added coloring.

The nose offers spiced biscuit, vanilla cream, and orange zest. On the palate, soft peach and plum meet raisin and sultana, layered with cakey spice and a touch of bitter chocolate. The finish is long and elegant, closing on apricot, oak, and creamy barley.