Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Nestled near Balmoral Castle, the Royal Lochnagar Distillery is a crown jewel of Scottish whisky heritage. Established in the 19th century, its rich history and exceptional single malts make it a must-visit for connoisseurs and history enthusiasts alike.

Visitor Information: Royal Lochnagar Distillery

• Royal Lochnagar Distillery

  Description

  Located in the shadow of the Scottish Highlands, near Balmoral Castle, the Royal Lochnagar Distillery stands as a testament to Scotland’s rich whisky heritage. Established in the early 19th century, this distillery boasts a storied history intertwined with royalty and a reputation for crafting some of the finest single malt whiskies.

  History: The distillery was originally founded in 1826 by James Robertson. However, it rose to prominence in 1848 when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the distillery. Impressed by the process and the taste, Queen Victoria granted Lochnagar a Royal Warrant. Since then, it’s been “Royal Lochnagar,” a symbol of distinguished quality.

  The Whisky Process

  1. Water Source: The distillery uses pristine, crystal-clear spring water from the Scarnock Springs.
  2. Traditional Malting: While many distilleries have modernized their malting process, Royal Lochnagar sticks to its traditional methods, ensuring a distinct flavour profile.
  3. Copper Stills: The distillation process uses old-fashioned copper pot stills. This not only imparts unique flavours to the whisky but also speaks to the distillery’s commitment to preserving its heritage.

  Tours and Tastings: Visitors to Royal Lochnagar can embark on guided tours that offer insights into the meticulous whisky-making process. These tours end in the tasting rooms where one can savour the nuanced flavours of Royal Lochnagar’s offerings. The ‘Deeside Drinks Tour’ is particularly popular, offering a comprehensive look at the distillery’s operations and a curated tasting session.

  Notable Offerings: The distillery’s core range includes the 12-Year-Old single malt, characterized by its delicate balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky notes. For connoisseurs, the Distillery Exclusives showcase limited editions that offer a deep dive into Lochnagar’s flavour palette.

  Royal Lochnagar Distillery is more than just a place where whisky is produced; it’s a living museum of Scotland’s whisky tradition. With its royal legacy, commitment to time-honoured methods, and exceptional whiskies, it stands as a beacon for all those who cherish the true spirit of Scotland.

• Highlights

  Not to be missed when visiting

  Historic Tours: Learn about the distillery’s 19th-century origins, its royal connection, and the secrets behind its renowned single malt whiskies.

  Traditional Distillation Process: Witness the age-old techniques in malt whisky production, from mashing to fermentation and distillation.

  Tasting Sessions: Experience a guided tasting of the distillery’s fine whiskies, understanding the nuances of each variant.

  Royal Connection: Discover the story of how Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s visit in 1848 led to the ‘Royal’ prefix in its name.

  Picturesque Setting: Located in the shadow of the Dee Valley, the distillery offers stunning views of the surrounding highland landscape.

  Visitor Centre: Explore interactive exhibits detailing the history and significance of the distillery and its products.

  On-site Shop: Purchase exclusive bottles, some of which are only available at the distillery, as well as branded merchandise.

  Local Wildlife: Spot local fauna such as red deer and golden eagles in the surrounding area.

  Special Events: From workshops to seasonal celebrations, the distillery hosts various events throughout the year.

  Nearby Attractions: After your distillery tour, visit nearby Balmoral Castle or take scenic drives through Cairngorms National Park.