North Star Spirits Royal Brackla 2006 (11 year old) 55.2%
Refill Bourbon Hogshead/ Dist: Oct 2006 Btl: Feb 2018/ Tasted: Mar 2017
The nose displays plenty of tight and spicy oak, softened by hints of herbal infused honey and malt. A touch of digestive biscuits hints at youth but there’s also a touch of straw. With time the oak becomes pleasantly buttery.
The palate open, like the nose with the tight oak but again the malt, honey and milky vanilla soften. A touch of toffee and some gentle sweet spices come through on the middle, but it still feels pretty tight! Lovely lightly oiled and orangy finish but the alcohol masks a little.
Diluted the nose really opens up well, to show granulated sugar coated orange and lime, along with a touch of wild sage and heather. On the palate it emphasises the creamy oak and barley. Not as tight now and fresher but still dense and honeyed. Deliciously juicy, citrus middle and finish.
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 