Royal Lochnagar Para 90 10 Years Old 1990

This official Royal Lochnagar single malt, a 10 year old Highland malt from 1990 and bottled at 62.5%. The outturn was 290 bottles. Royal Lochnagar, first built in 1845 by John Begg on the south bank of the Dee below Lochnagar, is one of only three Royal distilleries. It is one of only three distilleries permitted to carry the Royal name.

The spirit was run slow through small stills and worm tub condensers for a robust make, to build the full bodied, sherry friendly character at its heart. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the robust character to the fore. Younger here, it keeps a cereal freshness over light toffee. Slow distillation and warm worm tubs maximise copper contact, giving weight balanced by a fruity clarity. Royal Deeside has been royal country since Victoria and Albert bought Balmoral. For all its tiny size, the make carries a real mid palate weight. Royal Lochnagar is the smallest distillery in Diageo's portfolio, beside Balmoral.

Undiluted at 62.5%, it is layered. Baked apple and toffee meet soft vanilla and cream from the cask. Soft orchard fruit and toffee sit behind the sweetness. A fruity, gently spiced finish lingers long. This is the smallest of Diageo's distilleries.