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Royal Lochnagar (Royal Lochnagar) is the smallest distillery in the structure of the British alcohol holding Diageo. The plant is located in the heart of the Scottish highlands and is built on the banks of the river. Most of the company’s products go to the Johnnie Walker Blue Label blend. There is only one permanent release – Royal Lochnagar whiskey with a 12-year aging period. Periodically, the distillery produces limited edition vintage drinks.
Historical information
The founding of the Royal Lochnagar distillery was accompanied by tumultuous events. In 1823, entrepreneur James Robertson obtained a license to make whiskey and built a distillery in the parish of Crati near Mount Lochnagar. The region was a center for the production of illegal alcohol, so detractors burned the distillery in the first year of its existence.
Robertson rebuilt the enterprise, but it did not work for long – in 1843 the building was again engulfed in fire. A new attempt to establish a distillery was made in 1845 by John Begg. He built a building on the banks of the River Dee and named the plant New Lochnagar. By that time, the situation in the region had become calmer and nothing threatened the work of the enterprise.
In 1848, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their three children visited the distillery while relaxing at their Balmoral residence, which was next door. Soon after the visit, John Begg received the status of a supplier to the royal court, as the high-ranking ladies really liked the neighbor’s whiskey. The warrant was handed over to the entrepreneur by Prince Albert himself, and soon the plant was renamed Royal Lochnagar.
After the death of John Begg, the distillery was inherited by his descendants, and the family owned the distillery until 1916. Then the company became the property of John Dewar and Sons and, as a result of numerous mergers, became part of Diageo Corporation.
With the outbreak of World War II, production was mothballed. The distillery started working again only in 1963 after a large-scale reconstruction. Almost all equipment was replaced, including stills for distillation. In the future, the distillery continued to work non-stop, successfully surviving the industry crisis of the 1980s.
Production features
The capacity of the enterprise is considered small – annually it produces about 450 thousand liters of whiskey. Water is taken from local sources, malt comes from the central warehouses of Diageo. Royal Lochnagar is equipped with an unusual warehouse, which is called the attendant. Here beginners learn the art of blending whiskey. The distillery matures its spirits in three types of casks: bourbon, muscat and sherry.
Interesting Facts
John Begg invited the royal couple to visit the distillery by personal letter. In the message, he limited the time of the visit and asked that the prince and queen arrive before six in the evening, since the distillery was no longer allowed to work later. On the part of the owner of the plant, such an appeal was very bold, but nevertheless, the distinguished guests arrived at the plant the very next day after they received the invitation.
The distillery was one of the first in Scotland to open a visitor center – it was built in 1930 and includes a small museum, lecture hall and gift shop.
Types of whiskey (Royal Lochnagar
Royal Lochnagar 12 years old, 40%
The whiskey is aged in European oak sherry casks. A nut-colored drink with aromas of green apples, creamy toffee, caramel, malt and wood. The rich taste blends hints of ripe fruit, black tea, ginger, cloves and oak. The aftertaste is of medium duration, a slight herbal bitterness is felt.
Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve, 43%
A deep amber color drink with a medium density structure. The aroma is dominated by notes of coffee, toffee and dried fruit. The taste is silky and fresh, with a harmonious combination of fruity and woody tones. The manufacturer recommends enjoying this whiskey after dinner.
