Royal Brackla is a historic Highland distillery founded in 1812 near Cawdor Castle by William Fraser. Its enduring legacy was cemented in 1835, when it became the first Scotch distillery to receive a Royal Warrant, granted by King William IV, a distinction that permanently shaped its identity and name. From that point forward, Royal Brackla was recognized as a whisky of exceptional standing, long associated with quality and consistency. For much of its history, Royal Brackla’s spirit was prized primarily for blending, and today it remains a key component of Dewar’s, reflecting its importance within the Bacardi portfolio. While the distillery has experienced periods of closure and modernization over the years, its elegant, structured Highland style has remained intact. Official single malt releases have historically been limited, making independent and single cask bottlings especially compelling opportunities to experience one of Scotland’s most historically significant and quietly distinguished distilleries. This is the first Royal Brackla we’ve ever come across aged in a Manzanilla sherry butt. This beautiful, unique butt is truly special. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 57.7% in July of 2024, it was filled in March of 2009. One of the youngest malts we’ve ever seen in the Old & Rare collection, it absolutely deserves the moniker. An exceptional cask by any measure.