Royal Lochnagar 19 Year Old First Edition 700ml

This is the first independent bottling of Royal Lochnagar we've seen in some time, and the oldest too. Distilled in 2000, the whisky was matured in a Refill Hogshead for 19 years before bottling at 55.5%.

Nose: a surge of velvetty honey, vanilla and agave nectar; next come the spices and fruits: ginger and cinnamon with bright citrus fruits; becomes more jammy, with Strawberry-Rhubarb pie right from the oven. 

Palate: soft, creamy and sweet with some chewy malt and juicy fruits; velvetty honey, vanilla and agave nectar to start; again the citrus fruits and spices follow in quick succession; the pie note is still there, but more of an apple-rhubarb thing.

Finish: light, fresh and decadent; more honey, vanilla, fruits and spices; medium in length but lovely none the less.

Comment: this is the oldest Royal Lochnagar we've seen in more than a decade, and it is lovely one at that; soft, fruity and decadent with a touch of spice; a nice summer sipper for on the patio.

-- Andrew, kensingtonwinemarket.com