A new exclusive bottling from Royal Lochnagar

Diageo is welcoming in the new decade with the release of a special bottling from its smallest distillery.

A distillery exclusive bottling will be available at Royal Lochnagar from the the start of the New Year. Just over 5000 bottles of  the new single  malt will be available, with an ABV of 48% and priced at £85.

Royal Lochnagar is one of just three distilleries allowed to use the word ‘Royal’ in its name, and it is situated on the edge of the Balmoral Estate, where the Royal family spends part of the year. It is a Highland whisky  has been prized by monarchs south of the border ever since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert took the first ever distillery tour in 1848. HRH Prince Charles donated a cask first presented to him by Royal Lochnagar in 1988 to be bottled and sold in aid of The Prince’s Foundation in 2018.

The distillery produces just 450,000 litres annually.

This is how the distillery describes the new release:

“The nose opens with notes of spice, citrus and wood, alongside hints of burnt sugars and a gentle nuttiness. Over time, the flavours open up, revealing a presence of vanilla, green apple, orange zest and aromatic spice.

“On the palate, there is an immediate sweetness, alongside warming wood spice and notes of green apple. Vanilla and toffee characters emerge after a few moments, giving a medium finish that is both warming and lingering.

“With water, those green apple and orchard fruits become more pronounced, alongside notes of burnt cocoa and candy floss.”

A little oddly, the new Royal Lochnagar is described as a 2019 Distillery Exclusive release, and just 5004 bottles will be on sale.