ImpEx Beverages is dropping their 4th collection, a collection of 6 bottlings hand selected by Sam Filmus. Up for review today is a single malt from Royal Brackla. This Highland distillery was built in 1812 by Captain William Fraser of Brackla House on the estate of Cawdor Castle. It is the first distillery to earn the distinguished "Royal" in its name. This distillery is best known for being a blending component of Dewars. While single cask official bottlings of this distillery are rare, they can be found rather frequently from independent bottlers seeking to find a flavor profile they adore. The ImpEx collection is one such independent bottler who will be featured here today. I'd like to thank ImpEx for both the pictures provided and the media sample for review.
Company on Label: The ImpEx Collection (Distilled at Royal Brackla Distillery)
Whisky Type: Single malt Scotch whisky
Mash Bill Percentages: 100% malted barley
Proof: 116°
Age: 12 years
Further identification: This single malt was selected by Sam Filmus for the ImpEx Collection, bottled at cask strength after aging for 12 years in a hogshead; cask number 110000245 was distilled and filled May 17, 2011, bottled May 30, 2023, and it yielded 282 bottles, available now at an MSRP of $125
Nose: Upon lifting the glass I find a delicate sprig of mint, almond toffee, and a leafy greenness that is quite welcome in the nose. It's earthy in that spring-has-sprung kind of way, full of light. Deep inhales produce a kiss of ginger. This is delicate and ephemeral right off the bat. After a sip, the nose presents more subtle with vague floral tones wafting in on the cooler air brought through the door into a bustling cake shop. Late in the glass a wonderful and light array of harebell, heather, and primrose aromas present beautifully to a deeply dove nose. The empty glass smells of apple cider doughnuts and fried dough caked in confectioners sugar.
Palate: My first taste is a beautiful shimmer of orange zest before creamier tones prevail. That's a powerhouse of flavor—this will surely wake you up in a pinch. Juicy pear, walnut, and light pancake batter add to the immediate complexity. Though there's almost no further development necessary, an undercurrent of sweet lemon cake can be found on the impressive linger. Further sips are effervescent and thoroughly sweet, presenting like a lemon drop martini alongside a slice of rich cheesecake. Late in the glass a touch of saltiness presents slightly off in contrast to the rest of the pour. My final taste is noticeably less sweet with notes reminiscent of red brick, blackened cornmeal, and black pepper.
TL;DR: Fans of sweeter whisky will find a lot to love here, but be ready for the peppery finale!
Rating: 4/5
This whisky shines on its own. I enjoyed it quite a bit on a fresh palate and would urge inquisitive tasters to give it the same courtesy. Comparing a taste against a single malt of different origins will only wash out the unique experience that Royal Brackla can provide, which is a wonderful one to sit with during a rare calm moment in today's bustling pace of living. Tasting malts of this caliber requires a different level of patience compared to American whiskey. The slow sipper will be rewarded with this impeccably delicious dram.
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