【Event Report】Attending the Royal Black Label -THE FINISHING TOUCH– Dinner Event

On Wednesday, November 6th, "Royal Blackra THE FINISHING TOUCH – Dinner Event -" was held!

Royal Black Label is one of the world's oldest distilleries, renowned for its tradition and exceptional quality. It holds the historic distinction of being the first Scotch whisky to be officially appointed as a royal warrant by the British Royal Family.

This event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with Royal Black Label on a deeper level. Attendees explored its rich history, the origins of its iconic logo, and an insightful explanation of the distillation process that made them feel as if they were visiting the distillery itself—making it an unforgettable experience for fans.

The next ROYAL BRACKLA THE FINISHING TOUCH will be held on Wednesday, December 4th, with a special Christmas theme. We hope you will join us!

About ROYAL BRACKLA

INTRODUCING ROYAL BRACKLA

Royal Black Label, one of the oldest Scotch whisky distilleries, was established in 1812 by Captain William Fraser. Known for its elegant and fruity flavor, aged first in American oak barrels and finished in sherry casks, it has earned high acclaim. Royal Black Label's 12-year, 18-year, and 21-year expressions boast prestigious awards from renowned competitions such as the World Spirits Competition (WSC) and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SWSC).

As the first whisky to be granted the "ROYAL" name by the British royal warrant, it remains known as "The King’s Own Whisky" — a prestigious Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky that continues to embody its royal heritage.

Distillery & Production Process

The Royal Black Isle Distillery is located in the Highlands of Scotland, on the grounds of Cawdor Castle — the historic setting of Macbeth. This storied distillery is rich in history and tradition.

While adhering to traditional Highland malt whisky production methods, Royal Black Isle Distillery utilizes an extended 70-hour fermentation process and Scotland's largest pot stills. These techniques create an elegant, fruity, and refined flavor profile even before the whisky matures.

Moreover, Royal Black Isle's whisky finishes in a variety of sherry casks, offering a unique and elegant flavor profile that sets it apart from others.

The History

Overview

ROYAL BRACKLA THE FINISHING TOUCH – Dinner Event – About KOVAL

Event Overview

This event offers the opportunity to enjoy the elegant ROYAL BRACKLA alongside a refined dinner course and a beautiful night view.

This event featured Mr. Shingo Noma from 'The Bar Top Note', an accomplished bartender active in domestic and international competitions, as a guest bartender. Through original cocktails and a tasting seminar, the event offered an enjoyable experience even for whisky beginners. Plus, Chef Nakanishi, who trained at Michelin-starred restaurants in France, prepared innovative dishes that highlighted the flavors of Royal Black Isle whisky. This special dinner event was designed to elevate your special evening with elegance and sophistication.

The elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, embodying the refined taste of Royal Black Isle, provides the perfect setting for savoring "The King’s Own Whisky."

My event experience on November 6th

The royal blue entrance

The venue for this event was 'Grill Dining & Music Bar STEREO', located on the 38th floor of Shibuya Sakura Stage SHIBUYA Tower. Guests could access it by passing through a long escalator and taking a private elevator in a chic and stylish atmosphere.

When the elevator doors open, the Royal Brackla logo is right in front of you.

The brand logo elegantly adorned with flowers

Even the hallway leading from the entrance was beautifully decorated with ROYAL BRACKLA 12, 18, and 21 Year Olds, making hearts flutter with excitement before even entering the venue.

ROYAL BRACKLA 12 Year Old, decorated with flowers, displayed along the hallway

Beautiful Shibuya night view and 3 types of welcome drinks

Upon entering STEREO, a dazzlingly lit bar counter and the expansive night view of Shibuya spread out before you. Within this lounge-like, relaxed space, three types of welcome drinks were offered. These were prepared by a bartender right in front of you at the bar counter, elegantly adorned with Royal Black Label bottles.

Preparing a ROYAL BRACKLA 12 Year Old and tea cocktail

Three types of welcome drinks made with ROYAL BRACKLA 12 Year Old

ROYAL BRACKLA 12 Year Old with water

ROYAL BRACKLA 12 Year Old with water

The water used for the highball was Tajime Natural Water, a very soft natural water from Hiroshima Prefecture, where Mr. Noma is from. This natural water is not available for online sales and is difficult to obtain. The luxurious use of this water in the highball created a smooth and mellow drink that fully brought out the charm of Royal Black Label 12-Years.

ROYAL BRACKLA 12 Year Old and tea

Left: ROYAL BRACKLA 12 Year Old and tea Right: ROYAL BRACKLA 12 Year Old Highball

A glass of Royal Black Label 12-Years mixed with Lapsang Souchong, a type of Chinese tea. The smoky aroma of this tea, infused with pine leaves, combines beautifully with the fruity sweetness of Royal Black Label 12-Years, evoking a comforting smokiness reminiscent of Islay whisky. This pairing, crafted by Mr. Noma—who also operates a specialty tea shop—is truly remarkable.

ROYAL BRACKLA 12 Year Old Highball

We serve the elegantly flavored Royal Brackla 12 Year Old simply as a highball. The soda beautifully enhances the aromatic nuances imparted by the Oloroso sherry casks.

During the event, the three cocktails were served with unlimited refills. While many participants initially chose the impactful tea-infused cocktail, over time, attendees enjoyed varying their choices, switching between water-based options and highballs as they sipped and savored the flavors.

The venue was beautifully decorated in royal blue.

After enjoying the welcome drinks for a while upon arrival, it was soon time to move to the dinner venue. As we entered through the door at the back, the dinner area revealed an elegant space adorned in royal blue. Every detail, from the individual cutlery to the bottles on the tables, was beautifully arranged, creating a sparkling and sophisticated atmosphere.

The table set was also very gorgeously decorated

The screen displayed the event's logo, "THE FINISHING TOUCH," while the beautiful night view of Shibuya stretched out in the background.

The elegant event dinner venue was a stark contrast to the relaxed atmosphere from earlier. Exuding luxury and sophistication, it perfectly captured the refined essence of "The King's Own Whisky."

Event Start

Event kickoff with excitement

The event began with comments from 2 guests.

Chef Nakanishi commenting on the dinner course

According to Chef Nakanishi, this course is a luxurious dinner meticulously crafted to pair with Royal Black Label, in contrast to the traditional French practice of pairing dishes with wine. Built on the finest ingredients and carefully calculated pairings, every detail of this exquisite meal was designed for a perfect harmony with Royal Black Label.

1 item

Left: Venison croquette simmered in sherry Right: Foie gras shortbread marinated with ROYAL BRACKLA 12 Year Old

The venison croquette is simmered in sherry, offering a crispy and pleasant texture, with the rich aroma of venison and sherry filling your mouth. The foie gras, served as a cold appetizer, left a lasting impression with its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and its luxurious pairing with ROYAL BRACKLA 12 Year Old. From the very first dish, the use of rare ingredients like venison and foie gras was truly exciting.

The pairing of these dishes with the Royal Brackla 12 Year Old, finished in Oloroso sherry casks, is, needless to say, perfect.

2 items

Lobster salad seasoned with vanilla oil

The 2nd dish in the dinner course was a lobster salad. This beautifully colorful salad was scented with vanilla oil, and upon tasting, the sweet aroma of vanilla paired wonderfully with the gentle sweetness and texture of the lobster. The unique concept of a vanilla-scented salad was transformed into a stunningly harmonious pairing when enjoyed with Royal Black Label 12-Years, creating a surprising yet perfect marriage of flavors.

Introduction to ROYAL BRACKLA by a Bacardi representative

Explanation of ROYAL BRACKLA by a Bacardi representative

Before the whisky tasting began, an introduction was given about the history and origins of Royal Black Label. The presentation included insights into the historical context and the whisky industry's evolution, explaining how Royal Black Label became the first Scotch whisky to receive the Royal Warrant from the British royal family. The content was clear and accessible, making it easy to understand even for Scotch whisky beginners.

Tasting notes by the Malt Master

Malt Master: Stephanie MacLeod

As the tasting glasses and coasters were being prepared, a video of Stephanie McLeod, the Master Blender of Royal Black Label, was projected on the screen. In the video, Stephanie shared her passion and dedication to Royal Black Label, building anticipation for the upcoming whisky tasting experience.

Tasting: Royal Brackla 12-years / 18-years

Two Royal Black Label expressions, aged 12 and 18 years, were presented on 2 differently colored coasters. The two whiskies, finished in different types of sherry casks, were visually distinct. The 12-year-old was finished in Oloroso sherry casks, while the 18-year-old was finished in Palo Cortado sherry casks. Interestingly, the 12-year-old had a darker color despite its shorter aging period, which added an element of surprise to the tasting experience.

Left: ROYAL BRACKLA 18 Year Old Right: ROYAL BRACKLA 12 Year Old

Enjoy a careful tasting of these ROYAL BRACKLA expressions, guided by Mr. Noma's explanations of whisky and tasting methods!

The highlight of Royal Black Label 12-Year-Old is undoubtedly its rich, fruity sweetness. The intense aroma, reminiscent of cherries simmered in Oloroso sherry casks, is complemented by smooth, spiced undertones that linger elegantly.

Mr. Noma tasting while engaging in friendly conversation

In contrast, Royal Black Label 18-Year-Old offers a refreshing and crisp impression with strong nuances of the Palo Cortado sherry cask finish. While retaining its sweetness, it presents a fresh, grassy note reminiscent of lime, creating a smooth and elegant taste. This sophisticated flavor is further elevated by its refined character. Under Nomura’s expert guidance, the tasting becomes a luxurious experience, imagining the flavors of the rare and legendary Palo Cortado sherry.

3 items

Eggplant soup paired with smoked oil and cacao kuzumochi

Next was the eggplant soup, a bold and impactful dish where the comforting, roasted aroma of grilled eggplant perfectly complemented the nuances of smoked oil. The cacao-flavored kuzu mochi offered a delightfully chewy texture while maintaining a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency, beautifully bringing together its rich and aromatic flavors.

Enjoyed alongside ROYAL BRACKLA 12 and 18 Year Olds, the unique character of the whisky stood out even among the complex flavors and aromas of the dishes. I was truly impressed by the thoughtful pairing with recipes crafted especially for ROYAL BRACKLA.！

About the ROYAL BRACKLA logo

The ROYAL BRACKLA brand logo features intricate details reminiscent of a British noble's crest, giving it a sophisticated look. We were given an explanation of the stories and reasons hidden within the logo.

ROYAL BRACKLA logo

On the right side, the castle wall, sword, and cauldron filled with red liquid were designed with inspiration from Shakespeare’s four great tragedies, specifically 'Macbeth.' The sword thrust into the shield represents Macbeth’s act of killing the king, while the cauldron and red liquid depicted below symbolize the blood that was shed. The connection between Macbeth and Royal Brackla goes back to the founding of the distillery, which was established—and still stands today—on the grounds of Cawdor Castle, a location that also appears in Macbeth. Reflecting this background, the castle wall in the logo represents Cawdor Castle.

4 items

Fish & Chips

The next dish was a refined take on Britain's iconic fast food: fish and chips. However, what arrived was a far cry from the traditional image—an elegant masterpiece. The perfectly crispy white fish was topped with delicate, thinly sliced chips, presenting a sophisticated and graceful interpretation of this classic dish.

This dish had a light scent that escaped to the nose, and it went perfectly with the Royal Blackra 12-Year Highball.

Introduction to the Royal Brackla Distillery by Mr. Noma

As guests savored the exquisite dishes and Royal Brackla whisky, the screen displayed scenes of the Royal Brackla Distillery and its surrounding area. Guided by Mr. Noma’s commentary, the presentation transitioned from the picturesque landscapes around the distillery to a detailed exploration of its interior, offering insights into the meticulous craft of whisky production. The immersive visuals, combined with Mr. Noma's detailed explanations of the distilling process, created the sensation of participating in a tour of the Royal Brackla Distillery itself.

Royal Brackla Distillery Introduction Video

Outside the Royal Brackla Distillery, there is a pond where water used to cool the stills is collected. Warmed by the process, the pond attracts waterfowl. The left side of the Royal Brackla logo is inspired by these waterfowl and the rippling surface of the Cawdor Burn, the primary water source for the distillery. Above this, the logo also features an illustration of Scotland's largest pot stills, which play a crucial role in crafting Royal Brackla’s signature clear and fruity flavor.

Mr. Noma sharing various stories during the event

Original cocktail: Royal Art

Following the insightful explanation of the Royal Brackla Distillery, the event transitioned to a cocktail-making demonstration by Mr. Noma. Attendees eagerly left their seats and gathered around the bartending booth. Using Royal Brackla 12 Year as the base, Mr. Noma crafted his original cocktail, 'Royal Art,' blending it with tea, Pedro Ximénez sherry, and bitter orange liqueur. The cocktail was elegantly finished with a gold leaf crown, perfectly embodying the essence of a 'Whisky for Kings.'

Royal Art

It was a very exciting and valuable experience to be able to see Mr. Noma's cocktail making in front of me with his commentary.

Mr. Noma creates Royal Art

Served in a wine glass to fully appreciate its aroma, 'Royal Art' is an elegant and aromatic cocktail. The Oloroso sherry cask finish of Royal Brackla 12-Year harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of Pedro Ximénez sherry, while hints of lime zest and pepper accentuate its refined flavor profile.

5 items

Grilled wagyu beef fillet with sherry-based sauce

The main course featured a grilled Hokkaido wagyu fillet, exquisitely finished with a sherry-based sauce. The tenderly grilled fillet paired beautifully with the rich, sherry-infused sauce, creating a dish bursting with flavor and aroma. While the meal offered a satisfying depth, the refreshing profile of 'Royal Art' served as the perfect palate cleanser, allowing each bite to be savored effortlessly—a truly exceptional pairing experience.

Tasting of Royal Brackla 21-years and Pedro Ximenez sherry

Left: Pedro Ximénez Sherry Right: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

It was time for another tasting, and what was brought before us was not only Royal Brackla 21-years but also Pedro Ximenez sherry. Royal Brackla 21-years is known for its complex flavor, achieved by vatting (blending) original whiskies finished in Palo Cortado sherry casks, Oloroso sherry casks, and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.

In the tasting of Royal Brackla 21-years, which was served with a focus on Pedro Ximenez sherry not used in Royal Brackla 12 or 18-years, we were able to enjoy a unique aroma and sweetness that we hadn't noticed before. ！

6 items

For dessert, a rich and velvety terrine with a distinctive sweetness was served, accompanied by smooth vanilla ice cream. The deep, luxurious flavors of the chocolate terrine paired flawlessly with the spicy and fruity aromas of Royal Brackla 21-Year, creating a perfect harmony.

Terrine Chocolat

While the guests were absorbed in tasting and desserts, Mr. Noma shared his recommended way to enjoy them.

This dessert featured a creative twist—pouring the previously served Pedro Ximénez sherry over the vanilla ice cream. The rich aromas of stewed berries and grapes melded beautifully with the creamy texture of the ice cream, elevating it into a luxurious and indulgent treat.

The event concluded with a variety of profound pairings between drinks and food, allowing everyone to enjoy themselves to the fullest.

We hope you will join us for the event on Wednesday, December 4th!

That concludes our report on 'Royal Brackla THE FINISHING TOUCH.'

This exceptional event offered a thorough exploration of Royal Brackla's rich history and heritage, as well as the refined flavors of its 12, 18, and 21-year expressions. Participants delved into the intricate nuances of the sherry casks used for their finishes, making it an unforgettable experience highly recommended for both whisky novices and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

This event offers a rare opportunity to leisurely savor the "Whisky Fit for a King" while indulging in a top-tier dinner and enjoying an engaging two-hour session with one of Japan's leading bartenders.

Tickets for the same event, taking place on December 4th, can be purchased through the link below. Why not create elegant and refined memories to wrap up the year?