Diageo-owned Royal Lochnagar Distillery has released The Pursuits Edition, a 26-year-old single malt limited to 840 bottles. The whisky debuts at the Braemar Gathering on 5 September before going on sale at the distillery from 6 September, priced at £900 (US$1,215) and bottled at 57.4% ABV.
The release honors the distillery’s Highlands home in the Deeside area, where Royal Lochnagar has stood since 1845.
Each bottle is presented in a handcrafted leather pouch that can be strapped to a saddle, belt or basket. The design is inspired by the traditional Highland pursuits of the surrounding countryside.
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READ THE STORYThe 26-year-old stays true to Royal Lochnagar’s signature light character and is finished in French oak Cognac casks.
Bottled at natural cask strength, the whisky brings together notes of orchard fruits, sweet vanilla and berries, alongside warm spice, polished oak and toffee.
According to the official notes from the brand, the nose offers bright green apples and orchard fruits layered with creamy vanilla and icing sugar sweetness, with floral notes, berries, coconut and a hint of spiced cake.
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The palate is sweet and rounded with dried fruits, raisins and ripe berries. Soft caramel and toffee mingle with creamy coconut, lychee and warm wood spice.
The finish is long, smooth and gently warming, with spiced cake and vanilla fading into dried fruits, subtle toffee and a light floral sweetness.
“Royal Lochnagar’s rich heritage remains at the forefront of our distillery experience, and we’re excited for this to shine through in our newest 26-year-old release showcasing the countryside pursuits of our Royal Deeside home,” said Laura Sharp, brand home manager at Royal Lochnagar Distillery.
“Complete with a pursuits bag to strap to belt or basket this bottling is sure to become a favourite amongst Royal Lochnagar’s most enthusiastic fans.”
Each pouch was designed and manufactured by Crawford Henderson, a third-generation leather smiths based in Maybole, Ayrshire. No two bags are exactly alike.
Royal Lochnagar is one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries and uses a cast-iron, open-topped mash tun to shape the light character of its single malt.
The distillery, situated one mile from Balmoral Castle, became known as Royal Lochnagar following a visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1848. It currently holds a Royal Warrant by Appointment to HM The King.
