Royal Brackla 10yo 1998/2008 (60%, SMWS of America, Refill Hogshead-Ex Bourbon, 55.19, 247 Bts.)

The nose is very strong with some green notes and a slight hint of dried apricots and some dusty malt and after a few minutes some chocolate. The addition of water is called for which straight away opens up the aromas nicely; sweetness, more fruit, wood notes and malt. The taste is both malty and has hints of leather followed by the fruit and some slight malt. It also has some soda or fizzy drink characteristics in the mouth feel. There is also some green malt however this is very slight, the overall taste is of a nice gentle enjoyable dram (once the water is added). The finish is malty and fruity, both are accompanied by the fizziness for quite a while, some what of an unusual finish in that regard other wise it’s middle of the road but still nice. After a few minutes the fizziness subsides and you’re left with some pleasant malt.

A good solid whisky.

$US90

Score 78

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The second review of three Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottlings this week…..Caol Ila tomorrow.