Royal Brackla 11 Years (2009/2021) - van Wees

Nose

Vanilla quark floats elegantly from the glass, accompanied by malty base notes that immediately spread cosiness. It's like walking through the kitchen of a castle where fresh white bread is being baked – slightly yeasty, warm and inviting. But Royal Brackla wouldn't be royal if it didn't have something special: floral notes dance through the air like petals in the castle grounds, while grainy components provide a solid base. Apricot aromas sneak in discreetly – sweet, juicy and tempting. The highlight? Sandalwood notes that lend the whole an almost exotic elegance, followed by creamy marshmallows that awaken every childhood dream. This olfactory spectacle is rounded off by subtle nutty tones – sophisticated, but never intrusive.

Palate

The first sip starts like a fairy tale: sweet and creamy, the Royal Brackla caresses the tongue as if the royal chef himself were serving you the finest dessert. You think to yourself, "Ah, this is going to be a relaxing evening!" But then – twist! Suddenly, a bitter wood note makes itself heard, as if the court jester had entered the hall unannounced. This bitterness is not necessarily unpleasant, but it is definitely surprising. It's as if the king suddenly shows his serious side. Slightly soapy notes join in (presumably the result of very clean distillation), while oatmeal textures provide a full-bodied feel. A subtle hint of liquorice hovers in the background – not dominant, but present enough to complete the flavour profile.

Finish

The finale is a mixture of nostalgia and reality. Vanilla returns like an old friend, accompanied by notes of yeast dough reminiscent of Sunday mornings at the bakery. Surprisingly, gummy bear flavours join in – who would have thought that Her Majesty had a sweet tooth?