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| Hello, that is considered one of our (virtually) day by day tastings. Santé! |
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September 6, 2024
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Two Royal Lochnagar and Their Mix
There’s nonetheless little or no Lochnagar round, and none in any respect from impartial bottlers, for a very good fifteen years now. As an aperitif, we’ll begin with the distillery’s well-known signature mix, ta-dah, John Begg! By the way, that is additionally the title of the distillery’s founder, again in 1845.
(Journal advert, USA, 1968)
Chances are you’ll learn or re-read Supervisor Mike Nicolson’s previous interview on WF.
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John Begg ‘Blue Cap’ (43%, OB, mix, +/-1955) 
The neck label bears the inscription ‘By Appointment to the late Majesty King George V’, making it fairly simple to this point. It’s our first time tasting an expression from this period, however we keep in mind the pre-war ‘gold cap’ was slightly excellent. Color: gold. Nostril: a splendidly old-school mix, considerably within the vein of White Horse however much less smoky, extra medicinal with a touch of camphor, and simply as earthy with pronounced hydrocarbon notes. A slightly magnificent nostril, evoking reminiscences of previous Islay Mist as nicely. I practically forgot to say the ever present polish discovered in lots of of those strong previous blends (we keep away from the phrase ‘virile’). Mouth: completely magnificent—oily, lemony, salty, and way more coastal than your common Lochnagar. You’ll even discover oysters right here, together with citron liqueur, pink peppercorns, and, after all, that acquainted polish. This venerable mix hasn’t misplaced an oz. of energy. End: lengthy, salty, peppery, with that typical broth-like character of previous blends, however just about no metallic notes. Feedback: very, very spectacular, this previous John Begg—virtually paying homage to an previous Islay. Or as one would possibly say, an previous Islay Mist.
SGP:463 – 89 factors. |
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Royal Lochnagar 12 yo (40%, OB, +/-2023) 
I’ve the impression that it’s changing into a rarer sight on the cabinets, however we nonetheless revisit it each couple of years. It’s an excellent malt, although it’s all the time lacked a little bit of oomph, in all probability on account of a barely stingy ABV. Color: pale gold. Nostril: paraffin and cleaning soap are current as common, together with a touch of shampoo, candle wax, mashed turnip, vegetable soup, fruit peels, damp cardboard… and eventually, apples that aren’t notably fruity or fragrant, extra like these from a really previous apple tree. A handful of barley grains as nicely. Mouth: that is actually an old-school malt, considerably austere, a lot within the fashion of its neighbour at Balmoral (in its day). Paraffin and polish once more, a contact of leather-based and tobacco, ashes, but in addition some very high-quality orange marmalade and heather honey. It appears a bit higher than I keep in mind. Pretty oily texture. End: there are hints of the John Begg, notably the curiously maritime facet. Very good pepper. Feedback: I discover this current batch to be noticeably superior to its current predecessors, even together with the well-known ‘Recreation of Thrones’ version, a collection that gave malt whisky fanatics fairly a chuckle.
SGP:451 – 83 factors. |
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Royal Lochnagar 10 yo ‘The Supervisor’s Dram’ (57.2%, OB, European oak, 2006) 
I’m undecided who the supervisor was on the time, because the signature on the label doesn’t appear to match both Mike Nicolson or Donald Renwick. I do love the pleasant point out of ‘European oak’—what a reduction! It brings again fond reminiscences of the times when managers solely spoke of two forms of casks, ‘European’ or ‘American’. The remaining? Properly, we couldn’t have cared much less. Color: gold. Nostril: quintessential Lochnagar, full of polish and previous papers, but in addition orange zest and grilled polenta. One can’t assist however applaud this refreshingly ‘completely different’ character. With water: a return of the medicinal notes (a mixture of numerous capsules) and even a contact of Fanta. Mouth (neat): beautifully completely different certainly. Peppery lemon, barely industrial oils, grass juice, polish, inexperienced walnuts, Chinese language mushrooms (these massive black ones), pipe tobacco, mead, with a sure evenly mouldy notice that’s not disagreeable in any respect, and even a couple of feints. With water: this unleashes the citrus, which is splendid. The entire turns into a lot livelier and fruitier, additionally ‘cleaner’. Oranges, in addition to apples and yellow peaches. End: lengthy, oily, textured. Bitter oranges, leather-based, tobacco, lemon, and inexperienced pepper within the aftertaste. Feedback: it’s simple to see why a supervisor would have chosen this cask—it’s brimming with character. Nearly 88/100.
SGP:662 – 87 factors. |
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We wish extra Lochnagar! Maybe there will likely be some within the upcoming Prima & Ultima or Particular Releases?
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