Over to Speyside for a straight up refill ex-bourbon from Royal Brackla. View on SMWS
Nose: Freshly picked apples, curd and lemon drizzled pancakes is joined by dry dusty minerality – part citric, part quartz-like. Water moves things in to the garden with lemon verbena, honeysuckle, hay and cut grass.
Taste: The arrival is punchy with an intense dry spicy pepper kick. There’s an interplay between sweet and savoury here – chocolate cake and lemon zest alongside rock and slate, supported by barley corns and hay. Reduction takes the somewhat abrasive arrival down a notch (In my view, it’s needed). The profile is similar – all on sharp chiselled rocks and juicy lemons.
Finish: Medium with tart fruits (lemon, grapefruit and gooseberry) that fade into chalkiness.
Whilst fairly two-note, this Royal Brackla makes good work of the combination of citrus and minerality. It’s a shame that the delivery is so hot, but once reduced, there’s a workable amalgamation here. Simple, effective – pass the water jug.