Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a review sample by Diageo. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
The 2021 Diageo Special Releases are here. The latest collection strays from the repetitive Rare by Nature and delves deep into thematic fables, or Legends Untold. Eight legendary Scottish distilleries are featured in the Special Releases, and the collection includes some of the most expensive whisky since the 2017 collection.
The mythical creatures relate to the distilleries based on “the hidden gems that can be found in each corner of the Scottish terrain amongst the lochs and rugged highlands.” Royal Lochnagar makes its debut in the 2021 Diageo Special Releases with a 16-year-old whisky known as The Spring Stallion. The distillery was singularly named Lochnagar until 1848. Once Queen Victoria tasted the whisky, ‘Royal’ was added to its name given her appreciation.
So how did this legend arise? Well, as the fable goes, “the lands of the Royal Deeside were blanketed by a thick and chilling fog until a proud stallion, white as snow, tore through the icy veil. Majestic in every stride and immortal in his being, the stallion glowed with the warmth of spring. Ice melted under hoof. Grass sprung to life. In this tale of winter’s undoing, the stallion’s rolling gallop powered the stills of Royal Lochnagar, giving it the spritely freshness of spring.”
The Spring Stallion features a beautiful illustration of a white stallion racing down a forest path away from the distillery. Ken Taylor has captured haunting details of this legend with his masterful artwork. Diageo goes a step further with a QR code that unlocks an immersive tasting experience and gives life to Taylor’s illustration.
Tasting Notes: Royal Lochnagar 16 Year The Spring Stallion
Vital Stats: 57.5% ABV. Highland single malt matured in American oak and European oak refill casks. 750ml $250.
Appearance: 18k gold
Nose: Lemon peel and the faint scent of grain touch the nostrils first. The nose is really bright and fruity. Spun sugar and strawberry remind me of strawberry shortcake in the summer.
Trending Stories
Palate: The whisky is bright with lemon and malt, yet it’s not porridge-like. Heather and a bit of ash mingle together providing a small dose of smoke. Berry on the palate makes the dram more like cough syrup. The finish is filled with black peppercorns and is dry.
Latest News