First Impressions
Pale gold and unassuming in the glass, Royal Lochnagar 12 is a quietly traditional Highland dram with the polish of a distillery that has been making whisky for the royal household for the better part of two centuries.
Distillery & Heritage
Founded in 1845 by John Begg on Royal Deeside, the distillery sits in the literal shadow of Balmoral Castle. In 1848, just three years after opening, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and the royal children walked over from the castle for an impromptu tour. Within days Begg had been granted a Royal Warrant and the 'Royal' prefix that the distillery still bears today. It remains one of Diageo's smallest distilleries, producing tiny volumes that mostly disappear into Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
Tasting Notes in Detail
The nose is gentle and honeyed with dried apple, a touch of sherry, malt, toffee and nutmeg. The palate is similarly polite — honey, raisin, malt, apple and soft oak with a hint of spice. The finish is medium-length, honeyed and malty with a faint sherry warmth.
Verdict
Not a fireworks display, but a beautifully made traditional Highland malt with serious history. The 40% bottling holds it back from greatness, but as a piece of liquid heritage it's hard to fault.
