Summer is about to end, and it’s maybe time to continue posting tasting notes, after taking some time off whisky.
I never got to review this Lochnagar 16 from last year’s SR and after the queen has passed away while at the Balmoral castle, it is only fitting to try this dram from a distillery which is located on the Balmoral estate.
The whisky comes from a mix of American & European Oak Refill Casks , aged for 16 years and bottled
at a nice 57.5 % abv.
Royal Lochnagar 16 yo (Special release 2021), 57.5 %, £199
Nose: Lovely mix of sweet ripe red, as well as sour-ish granny smith apples, come to mind on the first sniff. Sweet pastries, danish if you will, with a brushing of orange juice and zest, with a layer of mossy earth which reveals itself with time in the glass… I’m also getting a whiff of yeast and wild honey.
Palate: Quite a lot of white pepper zing on the first wave of sensations, then off to creamier pastures … Cooked apples, malt, sweet dough and more baking spices (nutmeg, clove), a hint of grape pith, then more of the green apple peel and bread dough, dusty and chalky towards the very end.
Finish: bitter chocolate, wood tannins, orange peel, and more bready notes.
Conclusion: A very enjoyable and rather complex Lochnagar, takes time to get to know this one, but once you’ve been patient with it, you’re sure to have a very enjoyable sipping session. Not cheap at around 200 quid, so not a big VFM whisky. For Lochnagar fans, and people looking for a unique expression from this distillery. Still available only even one year later.
Score: 87/100
still available from TWE