Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve (43%)

This official Royal Lochnagar single malt from the Limited Edition and bottled at 43%. Only 2982 bottles were released. Set on the south bank of the Dee below Lochnagar, Royal Lochnagar has distilled since 1845. It is the smallest distillery in Diageo's stable, tucked beside Balmoral.

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 sherry cask wrapped the robust spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. With no age statement, it shows a rounded, malty body and a fruity, sherried depth. Slow distillation and warm worm tubs maximise copper contact, giving weight balanced by a fruity clarity. The malt long fed the John Begg and Johnnie Walker blends before its single malt fame. It is one of only three distilleries permitted to carry the Royal name.

At 43% it is smooth and fruity. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and butterscotch and a fruity lift meet soft vanilla and cream from the cask. Beneath it run apple, malt and a warm spice. The close is warm, toffee over soft oak. This is the royal malt of Deeside.