Balmoral Castle & Estate has launched a limited-edition Balmoral Coronation Edition Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky to mark the Coronation.
In recognition of the King’s association with Royal Deeside, the whisky is drawn from specially selected casks from Royal Lochnagar Distillery, a mile from Balmoral, the Scottish home of the Royal Family.
The first two bottles, in bespoke cases on plinths of Caledonian pine from the Balmoral Estate, have been presented to the King and Prince William. It appears Harry missed out.
A further 1,000 individually numbered bottles, bearing a gold engraving of the King’s Scottish Cypher, are available now – exclusively from Balmoral Castle then at the Balmoral Gift Shop from the day of the Coronation (6 May), priced at £360.
Aged 18 years, the whisky was mellowed by a long, gentle maturation in refill casks: European oak butts for richness and an American oak hogshead for sweetness.
It is bottled at a strength of 48% ABV. This is a reference to both the year Charles was born (1948), and the first visit from Balmoral to Royal Lochnagar by Queen Victoria & Prince Albert (1848). It is also the optimal strength for the perfect balance of flavours: with water, the whisky’s light, fruity notes become more apparent.
A spokesperson for Balmoral said: “We are delighted to have worked with Royal Lochnagar Distillery, our neighbour here on Royal Deeside, to create such an exceptional whisky for our Balmoral Coronation Edition in celebration of the historic crowning of His Majesty King Charles III.”
Ewan Andrew, Grantee of the Royal Warrant held by Royal Lochnagar, added: “Everyone associated with Royal Lochnagar Distillery is very proud of our roots in the Royal Deeside community.
“We have put all of our skill, craft and heritage into creating this exquisite, rare whisky for Balmoral, and we are honoured to play a part in their celebration of the Coronation of His Majesty The King.”
