Royal Brackla 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Both new-look Bracklas come in heavy weight 'decanters' with the whiskies finished in Oloroso sherry butts and bottled at 40% Alc./Vol. The 16 year old is, as you would expect, richer and more complex than its younger sibling.

...Colour: light gold. All three, 12, 16, 21, bear the same colour – I wouldn’t do that. Nose: wait, now we’re talking. Oils and herbal teas, always great signs. Mashed potatoes with borage flowers – cool! – plus shortbread and lime tree blossom. Sounds unlikely, it is not. After that, some artisan butter and a few ultra-fresh walnuts without their skins. It’s a very subtle nose, requiring a little concentration, but it’s totally worth it. Hints of old-style mead, made by good sisters. Mouth: absolutely excellent. IPA (say Lagunitas – I’ve heard Heineken bought them, is that true?) plus fudge and caramel, with a subtle oily/herbal combination in the background. White asparagus, olive oil, a little marzipan just like in the 12, one bergamot, and a spoonful of genuine Swiss muesli. Plus a little candy sugar and custard to keep it rounded and mellow. Finish: medium, not short. Orange cake this time, and big time. Sponge finger cakes. Comments: I think I’ll have to put my gun back into the holster, these babies work at 40% vol. A total surprise – but Brackla’s Brackla.
87 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com