Royal Lochnagar The Distillers Edition 13 Years Old 1996

This official Royal Lochnagar single malt part of the The Distillers Edition, aged 13 year old from 1996, drawn from cask RL/96-9T and bottled at 40%. Established in 1845 on Royal Deeside, beside Balmoral, Royal Lochnagar is Diageo's smallest distillery. It is the smallest distillery in Diageo's stable, tucked beside Balmoral.

It was worked through small stills and worm tubs that build real weight, for the robust yet refined make Royal Lochnagar is known for. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. By this age the malty spirit rounds into butterscotch and sherried fruit. Refill oak lets the robust distillery character lead, fruit over malt. 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. The distillery stayed in the Begg family until it passed to John Dewar and Sons.

At 40% it is smooth and fruity. Butterscotch and a fruity lift meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Beneath it run apple, malt and a warm spice. It finishes deep, robust and fruity. This is the royal malt of Deeside.