Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml

Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml

The area in the North of the River Dee was one of the most popular places for illicit ‘moonshine’ distilleries. In 1826, after the introduction of the Excise Act, one operator by the name of James Robertson applied for a licence to produce legally. Other ‘moonshine’ distillers considered him a traitor and set fire to his business. Determined, Robertson constructed another distillery, naming it “Lochnagar” after a nearby mountain. When this venture also burnt to the ground in 1841, Robertson too abandoned the whisky world. Four years later, John Begg built a distillery South of the Dee, close to Balmoral castle (the summer residence of the Royal family). He named it “New Lochnagar”. When the distillery became operational, Begg wrote a letter to the private secretary of the royal family, inviting their Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old Highnesses to experience the delights of the distillery. The very next day, both Prince Albert and his wife, Queen Victoria paid an impromtu call and were impressed enough to allow Begg to rename the distillery ‘Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old ‘, making him official supplier to the court. The Royal connection had an immediate effect on the sales and the price of the whisky. It has also seen the distillery play host to a string of famous visitors, many of them British prime ministers taking an hour or so off between meetings with the monarch of the day at Balmoral.

“…projects a delightful richness unique to Royal Lochnagar. ” – Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible

Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old Other reviews… Superb! A sharp, copper-rich aroma going on heavy esters. The malt forms a lovely outer shield…. a succulent, salivating delivery, soft on arrival with the barley and light caramels melting first…pleasant farewell of vanilla, toffee, light ulmo honey… for the first time in some little while I have found an intense dram true to its traditional style. 93 points – Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2023

…Nose: Fruitcake. Faint burnt currants. Palate: Cakey, sherryish, sultanas with a malty, grassy, sweetness. Finish: Peatier than I remember but becomes rich and spicy. Comment: Complex, beautifully rounded and soothing. 40% Alc./Vol. Rating: 8/10 – www.whiskymag.com