Royal Lochnagar Distillery claims to be the site of the first whisky distillery tour ever taken, by none other than Queen Victoria in 1848. A few weeks later the queen’s consort, Prince Albert, awarded the distillery a Royal Warrant, with its spirit no doubt having left a lasting impression.
Fast-forward 157 years and Serge Valentin, creator of WhiskyFun.com, found himself sipping on his favorite Royal Lochnagar expression. So, this week on Scotch Whisky Legends, I thought it might be fun to take a closer look at the Royal Lochnagar 1973 30 Year Old Old & Rare Platinum Selection, Serge’s highest-scored whisky from the distillery. Does the distillery still deserve its Royal Warrant today? Let’s find out.
The Royal Lochnagar 1973 30 Year Old Douglas Laing Old & Rare Platinum Selection
For a long time, Royal Lochnagar whisky has rarely been seen as a single malt. Even today, there are only three single malt expressions in the distillery’s core range. This is because, thanks to its ownership by DCL (now Diageo), Royal Lochnagar whisky is one of the key components in the Johnnie Walker Blue Label blend.
The Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve, of course, was a popular official single malt bottling. It was once the most expensive whisky in Diageo’s portfolio. However, in a world that continually focuses on vintage and age-statement scotch, the expression has fallen by the wayside just slightly.
Trending Stories
As such, vintage single malt fans have been largely sustained on independent bottlings of Royal Lochnagar whisky, like the subject of today’s article: the Royal Lochnagar 1973 30 Year Old.
This whisky was bottled in 2003 by Douglas Laing as part of the Old & Rare series. The series was launched in 2001, making this an early bottling in the collection. Bottled from a single cask at 57.9%, this is one of just 239 bottles ever produced.
So, what did Serge have to say about this single malt Royal Lochnagar?
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Serge Valentin’s Tasting Notes On The Royal Lochnagar 1973 30 Year Old Douglas Laing Old & Rare Platinum Selection
Serge Valentin sampled this iconic expression in February 2005. So, we know that there are a maximum of 238 bottles left in the world now!
This is what Serge had to say:
“Colour: surprisingly light (pale straw).
Nose: beautifully balanced, even if not overly expressive right at first nosing. Things are soon to improve, though. Lots of fresh fruits (mango, apricot) together with some great hints of camphor, almond milk and truffles (summer truffles – tuber aestivum). Goes on with lots of dried flowers, herbal tea, caramel rice cake. What a superb nose, mature yet so full of youth.
Mouth: again a beautiful mouth, perfectly balanced and extremely satisfying. Sure it’s a little woody right at the start – with lots of pepper – but then it’s a maelstrom of flowers, fruits and spices, yet it’s not showing off too much.
Long and very satisfying finish. Just a great single malt whisky with a superb balance and a fantastic compactness. Ah, and these truffle smells! 90 points.” – Serge Valentin, WhiskyFun.com, February 2005
Auction Prices (or a lack thereof…)
As expected, this Royal Lochnagar single malt is extremely elusive at auction, having appeared only four times that I can see.
The current auction record is £390, achieved at Whisky Auctioneer in February 2024. This seems quite low to me. A vintage, age statement, cask strength whisky from the first distillery ever to receive a Royal Warrant, and of which only 238 (maximum) exist? £390? Bargain.
Royal Lochnagar’s Connection With The Royal Family
In 1848, Royal Lochnagar’s connection with the Royal Family began when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the distillery during their stay at Balmoral Castle, which they had recently acquired.
They were captivated by the distillery’s charm and the quality of the whisky produced there. Queen Victoria granted Royal Lochnagar a Royal Warrant, officially adding the “Royal” title to its name. This royal endorsement not only elevated the distillery’s reputation but also linked it forever to the monarchy.
In 1988, for Prince (now King) Charles’s 40th birthday, Royal Lochnagar gifted him a special cask of whisky, reaffirming its historical connection to the Royal Family. Prince Charles, known for his fondness for Scottish traditions, maintained a close relationship with the distillery, which is located near Balmoral, his family’s cherished estate. The cask was later bottled, with proceeds going to charity, showcasing the Prince’s commitment to philanthropy.
The distillery’s connection with the royals has, no doubt, bolstered its standing in the public sector. Despite being Diageo’s smallest distillery, Royal Lochnagar has consistently produced high-quality whisky that is backed up by its royal connection.
Latest News