Whisky Review/Tasting: Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Royal Lochnagar Distillery, located close to Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky undergoes a long fermentation process, initially 48 hours extended to 96 hours for a more intense, characterful beer. It is aged in refill sherry butts and casks, hand-selected for bottling.
Age Statement: No specific age statement is provided, but the bottling date is mentioned (2008).
Color and Clarity: Described as deep amber.
Bottle Design: Comes in a handcrafted box, with the bottle being individually numbered (e.g., bottle number 2936 from a quantity of 6540). The label and packaging emphasize its royal connection and limited edition status.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky is noted for its rich, wooded, and fruity nose, with a smooth mouthfeel and a well-rounded character.
Unique Characteristics: It has a strong aroma for its 43% ABV, described as massively intense. The flavor profile includes full, sherry, dark fruits, mild oakiness, some vanilla, and fruitiness, with no bitterness.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique royal connection and limited edition status set it apart.

Royal Connection: The distillery received its "Royal" warrant from Queen Victoria after her visit in 1848. The story includes anecdotes about Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's visit, their connection to the Highland Games, and the distillery's proximity to Balmoral Castle.
Distillery Insights: The distillery manager shared insights into the production process, notably the extended fermentation time which contributes to the whisky's character.

Historical Significance: The whisky commemorates Queen Victoria's visit to the distillery in 1848, highlighting its long-standing royal connection.
Geographical Context: The distillery's location near Balmoral Castle and its use of water from a stream flowing through the estate add to its unique story and character.

Horst Luening's Personal Opinion: Describes the whisky as one of his very favorites, praising its complex, subtle, elegant, and sophisticated character.
Memorable Quote: "It's wonderful, smooth and fruity. And there might be some older whiskeys in, but also some younger whiskeys, which bring this fruitiness and fresh aroma."

Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve is a single malt Scotch whisky with a deep amber color, aged in refill sherry butts and casks.
It has a rich, wooded, and fruity flavor profile with no bitterness, described as smooth and fruity.
The whisky has a significant royal connection, commemorating Queen Victoria's visit in 1848.
It is produced in limited quantities, with each bottle individually numbered.
Expert opinion praises its complex, elegant, and sophisticated character.

Whisky Connoisseurs: Those with a taste for complex, aged whiskies will appreciate its sophisticated profile.
History and Culture Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in the royal history and cultural significance of whisky will find its story compelling.
Collectors: The limited edition, individually numbered bottles make it a valuable addition to any collection.