Royal Lochnagar 12 Years Old

This Royal Lochnagar, an official release, a 12 year old Highland malt and bottled at 40%. Royal Lochnagar, built in 1845 by John Begg at the foot of Lochnagar, by Balmoral, is one of only three Royal distilleries. Queen Victoria is said to have laced her claret with the make.

Distilled slowly in small copper stills with worm tubs for body, building the robust Highland style it is loved for. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. By this age the malty spirit rounds into butterscotch and sherried fruit. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the malty, fruity core over time. It is one of only three distilleries permitted to carry the Royal name. Unusually, casks are still filled on the premises, straight from the still. The robust, fruity make takes sherry wood especially well. A short fermentation and slow distillation give a deep, characterful spirit.

At an approachable 40% it is balanced. A robust, fruity sweetness sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. It is robust and deep, the malty spirit shining through. A fruity, gently spiced finish lingers long. This is Royal Lochnagar's full bodied Highland style.