Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old

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The 12 Year Old from Diageo's smallest distillery, just outside Balmoral Castle, which received a Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria. A refined Highland malt with malty sweetness and gentle fruit.

Details

Brand	Royal Lochnagar
Distillery	Royal Lochnagar
Origin	Scotland / Highlands
Style	Single Malt
Age	12 yrs
ABV	40%
Cask	—

Flavour profile

Smoky
Sweet
Fruity
Spicy
Rich

* Editorial estimate.

Tasting notes

Nose: Malty sweetness with ripe fruit and light toffee.
Palate: Smooth and medium-bodied, with malt sweetness, fruit and a touch of spice.
Finish: Medium length, with soft sweetness and dry oak.

* Editorial tasting notes.

How to enjoy it

Neat
With water

Gentle and elegant, it is best neat to appreciate the malt. A little water brings out the fruit.

Food pairing

Malty bakes like scones and shortbread. Also grilled salmon or chicken in a cream sauce.

Background & production

Made at Crathie on Deeside in eastern Scotland, just beyond the boundaries of the royal Balmoral estate. The distillery was built by John Begg in 1845.

In 1848 Prince Albert and Queen Victoria visited from Balmoral; soon afterwards the distillery began supplying the Queen and was granted a Royal Warrant — the origin of 'Royal' in its name.

It is the smallest distillery in Diageo's estate, with one wash still and one spirit still and traditional worm tub condensers. The 12 Year Old is the standard release, bottled at 40% ABV, and the spirit also goes into Johnnie Walker blends.