Royal Lochnagar: great introduction to Highland malt
Royal Lochnagar is a romantic whisky. In my early days of exploring what single malts were out there, the name struck me, and seeing the bottle for the first time in the livery of the day, it stood out. Different from other Diageo single malts, it was not part of the Flora & Fauna series, but had its own spot. Beautiful blue and gold shield as label, graceful letters, and a box with the mountain on it. Indeed, Lochnagar is not a lake but a mountain, being a favourite trick question in whisky quizzes. Neighbouring Balmoral Castle with all its royal ties, it was probably a matter of time before Lochnagar Distillery would get the royal warrant. In 1848, owner John Begg invited Prince Albert to visit the distillery. He accepted, and brought his wife, the legendary Queen Victoria, and their three eldest children. The rest, as they say, is history. Current day’s King Charles III must love Royal Lochnagar single malt as well, as the distillery was awarded its fifth Royal Warrant in 2022.
The distillery is an anomaly in the Diageo portfolio. It produces not even half a million litres of spirit per annum, which is nothing compared to the mammoth whisky plants Diageo operates. The distillery is however used as a training facility. Obviously, it has a touristic charm, being so close to Balmoral. I never got round to visiting, but once made a stop on my way to Speyside. The surroundings of Royal Deeside are marvellous. I had a bottle in my stash from 2017, which I opened on the day of Queen Elizabeth’s death in 2022. We raised a glass to her legacy.
Royal Lochnagar 12 years old, bottled at 40 % abv
First things first: Blue Coat of Arms Label, but that is where my knowledge stops. No information on the cask makeup of this bottling, but I suspect a mix of bourbon and perhaps some sherry casks. If you are ever in the position to taste a “Selected Reserve” expression, you should go for it. Royal Lochnagar is amazing on sherry casks.
Upon Sipping: Enters on fresh mountain air, trees, wet moss and grass. Straight without snobbery, rather simple and modest, but not without a nice spicy element only found in true Highland single malt. I would not mind if Royal Lochnagar was allowed to be a little bit less modest. The 40 % abv has made it submissive to probably any palate. A few more active casks also would not hurt. On the tongue, there is a delightful sweet hint and the finish delivers on what you want from a nice whisky: it is smooth and warming. You can picture the fireplace yourself, can’t you?
Word to the Wise: The beautiful location where this malt is distilled, transfers via the bottle to your glass, and functions as a great introduction to what Highland whisky is all about.
Score: 82 points.