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

Tours:

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