This review comes to you despite the sordid machinations of Michael Kravitz. You see, many years ago, Florin (the original Fresh Prince of Bel Air) asked him to pass a sample on to me when we met for lunch in Los Angeles but what did Michael Kravitz do? Yes, he stole it. Now this will not surprise most of you who have been aware of the content of his character for a while now but it surprised and—I’m not unwilling to say it—shocked me when I found out about it. For I am by nature a trusting person who likes to believe in the best everyone can be. And even though Michael Kravitz looks a shifty type, I have never believed in judging a book by its cover. But now that I have read the dossier that a number of you have compiled of his various malfeasances over the years, I am forced to look the ugly truth in the eye. But enough negativity! Michael Kravitz stole my sample and gave it a bad review; but Florin sent me another anyway and I am here to set the record straight.

Royal Brackla 14, 1998 (56.5%; G&M for Binny’s; cask 58; from a sample from a friend)

Nose: A very pleasant mix of grassy and fruity notes (peach, lime peel, a bit of over-ripe pineapple). The fruit expands as it sits. Just a bit too much of an alcohol burn—this should soften nicely with time and water. Yes, less hot and less grassy with air and a few drops of water; more malt instead and more peach.

Palate: Comes in swinging with the fruit, now joined by some malt; the alcohol registers more as a peppery bite here. A leafy note begins to emerge as I swallow. The leafy note expands with each sip but the lime peel expands alongside it. Okay, let’s see what water does. Oh, it makes the texture nice and oily and emphasizes the fruit further here too; the leafy note is pushed back a fair bit.

Finish: Long. The leafy thing plus oak and pepper into the finish. As on the palate with water.

Comments: Lovely, summery whisky. Would have been better at a lower strength, I think, but very good as it is too. I completely repudiate Michael Kravitz, who in addition to being a thief is obviously in the employ of the enemies of Brackla, Binny’s and G&M.

Rating: 88 points. (Pulled up by water.)

Thanks to Florin for the sample!