Royal Lochnagar 16 Years Old

An official Royal Lochnagar single malt from the Diageo Special Releases 2021, a 16 year old Highland malt from 2004 and bottled at 57.5%. Royal Lochnagar, founded in 1845 by John Begg in Crathie on Royal Deeside, is one of only three Royal distilleries. Much of the make has long gone into Johnnie Walker and the John Begg blends.

It was drawn off two small stills, the spirit cooled in cast iron worm tubs, for a rich, malty spirit with a fruity lift. A sherry cask wrapped the robust spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. Around the dozen year mark the make gains a sherried depth over orchard fruit. Worm tub condensing builds the mid palate weight the distillery is known for. The distillery stayed in the Begg family until it passed to John Dewar and Sons. Royal Deeside has been royal country since Victoria and Albert bought Balmoral.

At a natural 57.5% it is full and robust. The European oak adds dried fruit and a dry, gentle spice, and a gentle vanilla from the wood runs under orchard fruit and a cereal note. It is rich and deep, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish is rich, spiced and rounded. This is a fruity, sherried Highland whisky.