Royal Lochnagar The Distillers Edition 12 Years Old 1996

An official Royal Lochnagar single malt in the The Distillers Edition, a 12 year old from 1996, drawn from cask RL/96-8S and bottled at 40%. Royal Lochnagar was founded in 1845 by John Begg on the Balmoral estate's doorstep in Deeside, and it became Royal Lochnagar by warrant of Queen Victoria in 1848. Much of the make has long gone into Johnnie Walker and the John Begg blends.

The spirit was made in one of Scotch's smallest still pairs, condensed in worm tubs, for a deep, fruity make of unusual weight for its size. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. At twelve to sixteen years the fruit deepens into toffee, dried fruit and a warm spice. Sherry wood suits the weighty make, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. 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 40% it is supple and sherried. Vanilla and a creamy note from the barrel runs under orchard fruit and a cereal note. It is rich and deep, the fruit and oak well matched. A long, sherried finish carries a fruity lift. This is a fruity, sherried Highland whisky.