Scotland, Northern Highlands. Distillery operational. Owner: BacardiDespite its exceptional pedigree, Royal Brackla is and always has been a blender's malt. And yet, few distillers can lay claim to such a heritage. Founded in 1812, King William IV granted it the “Royal” epitaph in 1835, making it the first distillery to receive the distinction. During the Second World War, it housed the Royal Air Force Air Gunnery School and became an alternative landing strip. Having been the property of John Bisset & Co since 1926, it then joined the Distillers Company Ltd in 1943 (the future United Distillers). In addition to playing a key role in the blends Bisset, Johnnie Walker and Dewars, in the 1990s it was given a special place in the Rare Malts Selection and Flora & Fauna ranges. Nonetheless, it was primarily saved from oblivion by two exceptional editions, the Royal Brackla 1924, 60 Year Old, limited to 62 bottles worldwide, which was bottled to mark the reopening of the distillery in 1991; and a decanter from the same year produced in 60 editions for the Japanese market.

Launched in 2014 at the same time as the Royal Brackla 12 year old and 16 year old, Royal Brackla 21 year old is part of the Last Great Malts range from Dewar’’s, inspired by Diageo’’s Classic Malts. Bacardi launched this range to highlight the individual qualities of the various whiskies used in its famous blend and responsible for its character. These were Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Royal Brackla, The Deveron (Macduff) and Aultmore. Royal Brackla 21 year old was finished in an Oloroso sherry cask.