Today I visited the Royal Lochnagar distillery which is located very near to Balmoral Castle on Royal Deeside.
It was a bright but cold November morning, so what better to do then visit a distillery for a little tour and a warming sample or two…?
The distillery has been in the area since 1845. This was the “new” one having previously burned down in 1824 and 1841. It gained its Royal warrant after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were invited to visit. At this point it became Royal Lochnagar.
It is a lovely wee place and the tour was informative and interesting, the group were allowed a sample of their own malt to try against a sample of some which would become Talisker. The smokiness of the peated malt was clearly discernible on the tongue.
Unfortunately I was unable to take any photographs but there was an opportunity to nose some of the casks, sherry finish, a bourbon finish and also a cask with Lagavulin, sweet yet smoky and the hint of TCP.
Back in the visitor centre we were all given a sample of the 12 year old and the distilleries own bottling. Apple and vanilla on the nose with spices too, I found the limited release slightly smoother however.
ilovewhisky 