Bacardi has launched a rare, limited-edition bottling of The
Royal Brackla 35 Year Old Highland single malt Scotch whisky, retailing at
$15,000. A limited edition of 100 bottles (70cl) is being premiered at
Singapore Changi airport in partnership with leading travel retailer DFS Group.
“This is one of the most remarkable whisky launches in travel
retail, targeted at the connoisseur’s desire to discover and covet a rare and
refined, luxury single malt,” says Bacardi.
As its name suggests, The Royal Brackla has regal
connections. It was the first Scotch whisky ever granted a royal warrant,
bestowed by King William IV in 1833. The whisky was known as ‘the King’s Own
Whisky’ and ‘the Drink Divine’.
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| The Royal Brackla 35 Year Old Highland single malt Scotch whisky |
The Royal Brackla’s current Master Blender, Stephanie
McLeod, hand-picked the whisky to mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of
The Royal Brackla distillery in 1812 by Captain William Fraser.
The rich, complex and smooth signature character of the 49%abv,
cask-strength spirit is complemented by the delicate oak tones imbued by the
finishing in sherry casks. “The finishing in sherry casks produces the sherry
notes so much appreciated by King William IV, shown from historic records to
have been a keen sherry drinker and connoisseur,” says Bacardi.
Irving Holmes Wong, regional director Asia-Pacific and MEA
at Bacardi Global Travel Retail, said: “The Royal Brackla is an extraordinarily
beautiful presentation and marks a stunning entry to travel retail for the
brand. The Royal Brackla is one of the true leaders in malt whisky production
and this expression is the ultimate luxury for the discerning connoisseur and
collector.”
Brooke Supernaw, senior vice president, global merchandising
– spirits, wine & tobacco at DFS Group, added: “We are delighted to be
partnering with Bacardi Global Travel Retail in bringing the global launch of
the extraordinary and exclusive, The Royal Brackla to our flagship store in
Singapore Changi airport. The passenger
profile provides the perfect audience for the launch and this presentation sets
a new, royal standard for the category.”
Tasting notes
Auburn in colour, the whisky has a rich, complex and smooth signature.
Subtle green leafy and fresh apple notes complement the rich, buttery toffee
and velvety notes of vanilla. This melts slowly to reveal aromatic spices, such
as cinnamon and star anise, reminiscent of a moist ginger cake. The complex
notes of the sherry wood are finally revealed, with plump vine fruits, and the
zesty peel of citrus.
The palate is described as sweet and enticing, melting
slowly to reveal a biscuity base on which settles tingling spices. Each sip,
and if preferred, the addition of still water reveals more flavour, with a zing of menthol and rich ground coffee. The mouth feel is smooth and velvety, while the lingering
finish is of delicately scented oak.
