Royal Lochnagar 12 Years
Royal Lochnagar is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland. In addition to the 12-years single malt, the distillery's two pot stills also produce a large amount which is used in the Johnnie Walker Blue Label.Royal Whisky? The story told is that shortly after the opening of the distillery, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were invited by the owner at the time. The British royal family had just bought nearby Balmoral Castle (1848). Later, the distillery became a purveyor to the court and was allowed to bear the suffix Royal, which was even confirmed again in 2021 by a Royal Warrant of Appointment.
Tasting Notes
Nose
We perceive sweet brown sugar, wood chips and citrus fruits. Light smoke lies unobtrusively, but nevertheless well recognisable in the background. A very exciting note of liquorice resonates.
Palate
The Scotch opens sweet, then dry and with minimal smoke. Licorice notes can also be perceived here. All in all, the composition reminds us of suede care products. The flavours are very defined, slightly oily and wonderfully rounded.
Finish
The finish flatters the palate, but is still strong and brings along minimal bitterness.
Thoughts
Marcel 69/100
Royal Lochnagar 12 delivers a pleasantly smooth and rounded drinking experience that also appeals to whisky newcomers – a charming Highlander without sharp edges, but with a sweet, lightly smoky character that’s enjoyable without being overwhelming.
Sascha 71/100
This 12-years Highland malt impresses with a balanced profile featuring clearly defined licorice and citrus notes, while the subtle smokiness and minimal bitter finish provide a harmonious structure – straightforward yet solid complexity at a medium level.
Value for Money: Good
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Why does Royal Lochnagar carry the "Royal" designation in its name?
Royal Lochnagar earned the "Royal" designation because shortly after its opening, the distillery hosted Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. At that time, the royal family had purchased the nearby Balmoral Castle. Since then, Royal Lochnagar has been an official supplier to the royal household, a status confirmed by a Royal Warrant of Appointment in 2021.
How does the small size of the distillery influence the taste of Royal Lochnagar 12 years?
As one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries, Royal Lochnagar produces its whisky using only two pot stills, allowing precise control over the distillation process. The result is a characterful single malt with balanced sweetness, gentle smokiness, and well-defined notes such as licorice and citrus.
What role does Royal Lochnagar play in Johnnie Walker Blue Label?
A significant portion of the whisky produced at the Royal Lochnagar distillery is used as a component in the Johnnie Walker Blue Label blend. This means that Royal Lochnagar’s distinctive flavor plays an important role in this premium blended Scotch.