Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Royal Lochnagar is one of Scotland's smallest and most intimate distilleries, sitting in the shadow of Lochnagar mountain just a short walk from Balmoral Castle. The distillery earned its 'Royal' prefix when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited in 1848 – just days after the distillery opened – and were so impressed that they granted a Royal Warrant.

History

John Begg built the distillery in 1845, strategically located near the new royal residence at Balmoral. His invitation to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert was a masterstroke – the royal endorsement established the distillery's reputation overnight. Royal Lochnagar remains small by design, with traditional production methods unchanged for generations. It is now owned by Diageo.

The whisky

Rich and elegant with fruitcake, sherry, malt and a refined finish.

Signature expressions

• 12 Year Old
• Distillers Edition
• Selected Reserve

Visiting Royal Lochnagar

Open year-round. The small scale means tours are personal and unhurried. The distillery is a natural stop when visiting Balmoral Castle and Royal Deeside. The setting, beneath the Lochnagar munro, is beautiful.

Getting there

From Aberdeen, take the A93 west through Banchory and Ballater to Crathie, around 1 hour 20 minutes. The distillery is signed off the B976 beside Balmoral Castle, with a small visitor car park on site. From Inverness, the most direct route is the A9 south to the A93 at Braemar, but this is a longer journey of around 2 hours 30 minutes.

Highlights

• Royal Warrant granted after Queen Victoria's visit in 1848
• Walking distance from Balmoral Castle
• Small and intimate – one of Scotland's most personal tours
• Dramatic setting beneath the Lochnagar munro

Private whisky tours including Royal Lochnagar

We can include Royal Lochnagar in a private whisky tour with a dedicated driver-guide and luxury Mercedes vehicle. Pick-up from your hotel, airport or cruise port.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Royal Lochnagar Distillery?

Open year-round. The small scale means tours are personal and unhurried. The distillery is a natural stop when visiting Balmoral Castle and Royal Deeside. The setting, beneath the Lochnagar munro, is beautiful.

What whisky does Royal Lochnagar make?

Royal Lochnagar is a Highland single malt known for: 12 Year Old, Distillers Edition, Selected Reserve. Rich and elegant with fruitcake, sherry, malt and a refined finish.

How do I get to Royal Lochnagar Distillery?

Royal Lochnagar Distillery is in Crathie, Royal Deeside, Highland. We offer private whisky tours that include Royal Lochnagar with door-to-door transport from Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen in a luxury Mercedes vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide.

Other Highland distilleries