Royal Lochnagar
Cairngorms National Park,
Crathie, Ballater
History: This distillery has been through a lot since it was built in 1826 by founder James Robertson. First a rumoured deliberate fire shortly after opening meant the distillery had to be moved and rebuilt. Then another fire in 1841 meant another move and rebuild. My thoughts on this are that James Roberston was possibly not a loved man. In 1845 a new distillery was constructed by John Begg on the south bank of the river just a stone's throw from Balmoral Castle. Royal Lochnagar is slightly off the beaten track but is definitely worth the detour.
The whisky: This is Diageo's smallest distillery with most of its whisky being bottled for single malt – which is unusual as most distilleries will supply a chunk of their whisky for blends. The house style here is a light and easy-drinking whisky, with a fresh vanilla, cereal nose with warming spice on the palate.
Favourite dram: The lead single malt from the distillery is the 12-year-old and is a great buy for someone who is just getting into single malts. For me though the Royal Lochnagar 2000 distiller's edition is a great dram. The whisky was finished in casks that previously contained well aged Muscat wine, adding a floral richness to the spirit. You can pick a bottle of this up for around £70.
Geek alert: Compared to spirit giants Diageo's other single malt distilleries, Lochnagar is tiny with an annual production of around 450,000 litres of alcohol. Compare this to their largest single malt distillery, Roseisle, situated near Elgin, which produces 12.5 million litres per year.
Why visit? This is a beautiful distillery in a magnificent location. The distillery and the tours are traditional and a classic example of what you would expect from a Scottish whisky distillery. They offer four different experiences. The Royal Lochnagar Distillery Tour costs £8, which gets you a guided tour of the distillery, filling store and warehouse, followed by a dram of the Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old. If you are wanting something a bit special then pre-book the Royal Tour for £35 (Mondays to Fridays): you will receive a welcoming cup of coffee and homemade shortbread in the distillery library, where you will learn the history of the distillery, followed by an in-depth tour, hosted by a knowledgeable member of the distillery team. The tour is followed by "a very special tasting of Royal Lochnagar as well as a specially selected rare whisky".. Booking in advance is essential: royal.lochnagar.distillery@diageo.com tel 013397 42700.
Interesting fact: When Queen Victoria and Prince Albert took up residence at Balmoral castle, John Begg, owner of the new Lochnagar distillery, wasted no time sending an invitation for the royal couple to visit the distillery. Both were malt whisky drinkers and Prince Albert also had an interest in technology and industry, and the couple arrived the following day. Shortly afterwards, Lochnagar supplied the Queen with whisky and was awarded a Royal Warrant in 1848.
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