Royal Lochnagar Distillery

One mile from Balmoral Castle, the Royal Lochnagar Distillery sits at the foot of the Cairngorm mountains, fed by the crystal clear water of the Scarnock springs. This special whisky is renowned for its outstanding flavour and incredible location. Sitting at the foot of the Cairngorm mountains, a mile from Balmoral Castle, this small craft distillery was granted the title Royal Lochnagar in 1848 following a visit, at the invitation of founder John Begg, by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Royal Lochnagar combines malted barley and the pure water of the nearby crystal clear Scarnock springs to create a golden and delicious Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Originally called New Lochnagar, it was renamed following the royal visit. Today, the smallest distillery in our collection, combines the traditional pagoda kiln heads and techniques like the open mash tun with a modern visitor centre for the appreciation of malt whisky.

Address:

Balmoral, Crathie, Ballater, Aberdeenshire AB35 5TB

This distillery is included as part of our Cairngorms and Beyond Tour.

Directions by car: From the A93 Aberdeen to Perth road, turn off in Crathie at the Balmoral Car Park. Cross the green bridge, turn left at the Balmoral Gates and take the first right to the top of the hill to the distillery.

Directions by bus: The 201 service bus stops at the Balmoral Car Park.

Opening Times:

Opening hours vary. Please visit Royal Lochnagar website for more information

Experiences:

ROYAL LOCHNAGAR: THE ESSENCE TOUR £22

Join us for a guided tour of our small, unique distillery to discover the very essence of Royal Lochnagar with its traditional ways of working and smooth, grassy character.

Your host will then guide you through a tutored nosing and tasting of 2 of our specially selected Royal Lochnagar single malts.

Duration: 1hr

ROYAL LOCHNAGAR EXPRESSIONS £40

Discover the depth of flavour across our limited edition expressions of Royal Lochnagar Single Malt Whisky. Join us on a guided tour of the distillery where you will learn how we produce our smooth, grassy character using traditional ways of working.

Following the tour your host will guide you through a tutored nosing and tasting of 4 limited edition expressions of Royal Lochnagar and you will receive a complimentary momento to take home.

Duration: 1hr

ROYAL LOCHNAGAR WAREHOUSE TASTING £75

Join us to enjoy a tutored tasting of four whiskies, each specially selected from our collection of casks in our Duty Paid Warehouse. Our Distillery Operators and Guides have selected their favourite casks, not just for their exquisite flavour - but for their fascinating stories and rarity. This truly unique experience is not to be missed!

Please note, this experience is a tasting only and does not include a tour of the distillery.

Duration: 1hr

Frequently Asked Questions

What experiences are available at Royal Lochnagar Distillery?

Royal Lochnagar Distillery offers a range of guided whisky experiences including the Classic Tour, Fill Your Own Bottle Experience, Warehouse Tastings, and exclusive whisky pairing experiences. Visitors can explore one of Scotland’s smallest working distilleries, learn about traditional Highland whisky-making techniques, and enjoy guided tastings of Royal Lochnagar single malt whisky near Balmoral Castle.

How long does a Royal Lochnagar Distillery tour take?

Most Royal Lochnagar Distillery experiences last between 1 hour and 2 hours depending on the tour selected. Standard guided tours typically last around 1 hour, while premium warehouse and tasting experiences may run longer.

Is whisky tasting included at Royal Lochnagar Distillery?

Yes, whisky tasting is included in all Royal Lochnagar Distillery experiences. Guests can enjoy guided tastings of Royal Lochnagar single malt whisky, with premium experiences including additional drams, cask samples, or fill-your-own bottlings.

Do I need to book Royal Lochnagar Distillery tours in advance?

Advance booking is strongly recommended for Royal Lochnagar Distillery tours and tastings, particularly during peak tourist periods in Royal Deeside, as experiences can sell out in advance.

What are the opening hours of Royal Lochnagar Distillery Visitor Centre?

Royal Lochnagar Distillery Visitor Centre is generally open daily from around 10am to 5pm, with tours operating throughout the day. Opening hours may vary seasonally and during winter months.

Is Royal Lochnagar Distillery family friendly?

Royal Lochnagar Distillery is family friendly in public visitor areas such as the shop and reception. However, whisky tastings and guided tours are intended for adult visitors, with alcohol experiences restricted to those aged 18 and over.

Is Royal Lochnagar Distillery accessible?

Royal Lochnagar Distillery offers accessibility in key visitor areas, though some production areas may include stairs or uneven surfaces due to the historic nature of the site. Visitors with accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact the distillery in advance before booking.

Is parking available at Royal Lochnagar Distillery?

Yes, free parking is available on-site for visitors attending tours and tastings at Royal Lochnagar Distillery. The distillery is located near Balmoral Castle in Royal Deeside.

Does Royal Lochnagar Distillery have a café or shop?

Royal Lochnagar Distillery has a visitor shop offering whisky, gifts and distillery-exclusive bottlings. While there is no full café on site, refreshments may be available and there are nearby dining options in Ballater and the surrounding Deeside area

Where is Royal Lochnagar Distillery located?

Royal Lochnagar Distillery is located near Crathie and Balmoral Castle in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland (AB35 5TB), within the Cairngorms National Park.