Royal Lochnagar is one of the smallest distilleries in the Highlands. It stands just beyond the boundaries of Balmoral Castle, at the foot of the majestic peak from which it takes its name and its pure mountain water. A combination of nature's finest ingredients and the Distiller's art produces the distinctive, mellow taste of Royal lochnagar. Twelve years in oaken casks complete the task that human skill began. This is a whisky you will treasure and enjoy with those who share your appreciation. Our Distillery manager and his staff would make you more than welcome if you should wish to visit the home of Royal Lochnagar on Royal Deeside.**
Color: an Amber tending towards smokey quartz, perchance a hint of the steely gray of the loch on a soft, drizzly day.
Nose: Mild and somewhat sweet like a fresh baked spice cake in the bakery in Royal Deeside.
1st sip: A nice warm feeling of a blend of tastes, some wood, a hint of burnt sugar, slight smoke, a touch of the heather blowing across the lake past the Royal stags. 2nd sip: in addition to the above, perhaps the mild musky taste of the highland grouse roasted to perfection. Or the tang of a wee bit of venison sausage. The alcohol bit has disappeared. A splash: the sweetness is amplified, with the emphasis of the highland honey taste. And such a nice warmth in the mouth, it would not do to add an ice cube.
Yes, twas a favorite of your sainted mother
Color: Pale gold
ReplyDeleteLegs: strong
Nose: a hint of flowers or spice with a little peat?
Taste: a little peat and some medicinal flavors that I think must be the floral or spice that folks talk about.
Finish: Very drying, kind of medium in length
OK, for the first time, I am tasting two tonight so I can catch up (nice excuse, eh?). I got a new glass. I sipped some pinot grigio, some water, a taste of chocolate and some more water to get the McClelland’s out of my mouth. This is a very different Scotch. No real sweetness, with only a hint of peat. It is very drying on the tongue. A drop of water brings out more of a kind of woody flavor. Not smoke, more like pinesap. I’m gonna say it, it seems I like the sherry taste in my Scotch. Please do not flagellate me. This one gets better as I continue to drink it, could be that I needed to get the taste of the McClelland’s out of my mouth. Still, I am not sure if I would reach for this bottle if I saw it.
Funny that Dad claims this was one of Mom's favorites as she always told me she bought it for him since it is one of his favorites. 'What we have here, is a failure to communicate ...'
Smarty
ReplyDeleteRaw-yule Lak-nee-gaar, it just rolls off the tongue like a mist sliding down a mountain.
ReplyDeleteThe color of a bold marigold, and a "if you drink me you won't be disappointed" aroma, starts the warm fuzzies with this one.
A soft burn, and yes, oaken undertones, drinking this is like sitting down into one of those huge overstuffed recliners, where you feel snug and comfortable. Perhaps it is a bit to "refined" for my taste, as I prefer more edgy brews, but perhaps if dad recollection is correct, that is why mom liked this one.
That said, mom was just as likely to be found drinking some rock-gut blend mixed with water and ice, so if she was indeed saintly, it was more for her broad acceptance, not singular tolerance. At least when it came to an evening cocktail... ;>)
Nice finish to your month dad!
ah, nectar thine name is …. Royal Lochnagar
ReplyDeletejust goes to prove you can't judge a scotch by age alone. I would put this 12 year against some vintages I have tasted twice her age.
its subtle, yet defined. definitely peat and … something warmer..
this one demands to be tasted again.
there was a slight acid aftertaste… but that only invites sipping more.
And younger brothers, I do recall opening this in the presence of said mother, her favorite, dad's favorite, mom just enjoyed giving it to him. That was her way. Smiles.
Mind you, I just enjoyed drinking it.