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About Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Royal Lochnagar, Scotland. Founded in 1845
A Highland Classic with Royal Roots
Tucked away beside the Balmoral Estate in the eastern Highlands, Royal Lochnagar is a distillery that whispers rather than shouts. It’s modest in scale, but rich in heritage — and if you’ve ever wondered what whisky the royals might sip fireside, this is your answer.
Founded in 1845 by John Begg, Lochnagar earned its “Royal” status just a few years later, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popped by for a tour in 1848. The monarchs were so charmed they granted a royal warrant on the spot — and the distillery’s name has carried a crown ever since.
Today, Royal Lochnagar is one of Diageo’s smaller distilleries, but don’t let that fool you. The whisky it produces is refined, elegant, and full of Highland charm — exactly what you’d expect from a distillery that neighbours Balmoral Castle.
Taste Profile
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Peaty / Smokey |
Oaky / Woody | Malty / Cereal |
This isn’t a peat monster or a powerhouse. Royal Lochnagar is more like a well-worn tweed jacket — timeless, quietly confident, and utterly comfortable. It’s dry, slightly spicy, and gracefully balanced.
Royal Lochnagar is known for its elegant, medium-bodied Highland single malt. The distillery is particularly famous for its clean, dry style with warming spice and toasted malt. Key flavour characteristics include:
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Spiced oak with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg
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Light malted barley sweetness
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Toasted biscuit notes
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A touch of honey on the finish
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Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Malt / Biscuit / Toast |
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Oak / Wood Spice |
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Honey |
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Cinnamon / Clove |
Popular Bottlings from Royal Lochnagar
| Expression | ABV / Age | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old | 40% | Light oak, gentle spice, creamy malt, subtle honey |
| Distillers Edition | Muscat cask finish | Sweeter and rounder — floral, honeyed, and spiced fruits |
| Selected Reserve | NAS / Premium | Richer profile with deeper wood spice, vanilla, and toasted nuts |
| Rare Malts Series (Vintage) | Various | Older casks with layered oak, dry spice, and elegant age |
Lochnagar may not have dozens of expressions on shelves, but what it does offer is reliable, well-crafted, and classically Highland.
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The Distillery
Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Crathie, Balmoral, Ballater AB35 5TB
 Open in maps |
 Royal Lochnagar Distillery |
 01339 742700 |
Visitor Information
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Address: Royal Lochnagar Distillery, Crathie, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TB, Scotland
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Telephone: 01339 742700
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Opening Times:
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Summer (April–October): Daily, 10:00 – 17:00
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Winter (November–March): Reduced hours, best to call ahead
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Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day
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Tours are personal and relaxed — often led by people who’ve worked there for years. You get a good look at traditional whisky-making techniques, from copper stills to wooden washbacks, and yes, the tasting room is a warm spot with a great view.
Ownership and History
Current Owner:
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Diageo
Key Moments in Time:
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1820s–1830s: Earlier, short-lived Lochnagar distilleries operated nearby
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1845: Founded as New Lochnagar by John Begg
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1848: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visit; royal warrant granted
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1906: Becomes part of the DCL group (a Diageo predecessor)
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1963: Major refurbishment, but traditional processes preserved
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1990s–Today: Maintains small-scale, hands-on whisky production
Royal Lochnagar may be small, but its name carries weight — not just for the royal ties, but for its commitment to quality and craft.
Distillery Facts
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Location: Located in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, near Balmoral Castle and at the base of Lochnagar mountain.
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Founded: Built in 1845 by John Begg, following two earlier distilleries in the area that were destroyed by fire.
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Royal Connection: Gained a Royal Warrant in 1848 after a visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, becoming one of the few distilleries allowed to use “Royal” in its name.
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Ownership: Owned by Diageo and operated under lease from the Abergeldie Estate.
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Size: One of Diageo’s smallest distilleries, producing around 450,000 to 500,000 litres of spirit annually.
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Stills: Operates with just one wash still and one spirit still, contributing to its artisanal scale.
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Water Source: Uses water from local springs in the Lochnagar hills.
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Production Style: Features traditional techniques—open mash tun, wooden washbacks, and worm-tub condensers—which create a complex, rich yet delicate spirit.
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Whisky Character: Known for its elegant style, with notes of green apple, pear, dried fruit, butterscotch, and gentle spice.
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Core Releases: Includes the 12-Year-Old single malt, occasional Distillers Edition (e.g., Moscatel cask finish), Select Reserve, and special limited editions.
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Blend Contribution: Used in premium blends like Johnnie Walker Black and Blue Label, and Dimple.
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Visitor Centre: Open to the public since the 1930s, offering guided tours, tastings, and a look at traditional Highland whisky-making.
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Sustainability: Part of Diageo’s carbon-neutral program, with efforts toward renewable energy and environmental efficiency.
