Royal Lochnagar 12 years 

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Amber.

Body: Medium-bodied with a smooth mouthfeel.

Nose: A relatively closed nose. Planed wood, light toffee, boat varnish. Linseed oil behind, even putty, and later a lychee-like acidity. With water, the acidity comes up (acid drops), and the nose sweetens. Still a pleasant fresh woodiness or leatheriness, the varnish now supported by artists turpentine. Warm sand. After a while, coffee dregs with brown sugar. Not an obvious nose, however.

Palate: This delicate malt offers fruits, planed wood, and light toffee. The palate is sweet before gaining in acidity.

Finish: Dry; medium-length, with an attractive lingering sandalwood aftertaste. Sharp and well-balanced.

Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Royal Lochnagar Distillery is located near Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the British royal family, on the eastern edge of the Cairngorms in Aberdeenshire. Founded in 1845 by John Begg, the distillery soon gained royal recognition when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited and approved the whisky. Since then, the distillery has carried the prestigious designation "Royal".

A unique feature of Royal Lochnagar is the use of pure water from the nearby River Dee, which contributes to the crisp and clean taste of their whiskies. Royal Lochnagar's whiskies are known for their elegant and balanced flavour profiles, with notes of sweet fruit, delicate spices, and a subtle hint of smoke. The distillery uses traditional copper pot stills and a slow distillation process, ensuring a rich and refined spirit.

The whiskies are mainly matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, creating a harmonious and deep flavour. The combination of royal recognition, an idyllic location and high-quality whiskies makes Royal Lochnagar a respected name in the world of Scotch single malt whisky.