Royal Lochnagar 12 Years
Royal Lochnagar is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland. As part of the Classic Malts Selection, it becomes even more interesting when viewed in the context of the full lineup. 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.
The panel
Mean 70.0 · spread 2
Value for money 4/5
- Distillery
- Royal Lochnagar
- Type
- Single Malt
- Region
- Highlands
- Country
- Scotland
- Age
- 12 years
- Strength
- 40% ABV
- Character
- delicate
Tasting
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.
Verdicts
Marcel
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
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.
What it is worth
We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Royal Lochnagar as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.
Latest mean bid £243 across 38 lots · 2024-08