Royal Lochnagar 12 Year

Drovers

Lekker, complex, tikkie bitter in de nasmaak.

Rating: 13/23 I really haven't heard anything about Royal Lochnagar before. Anything at all, actually. Should be interesting. Or possibly very bland and forgettable. N: Surprisingly floral and spicy. Hints of roses, faint anise, dry wood. A little tottori pear and faint bird chili. There's other stuff here, but it's fairly light (but not weak) nose so I'm having some trouble. A little savory earthiness that doesn't come across as rough distillate. P: Quite light with a big prickliness tat turns into a burn and then kind of into harshness. It's sweet and floral (vanilla and light rose) like some sort of divine water, but not terribly complex. Probably some tottori is in the water too. Dried grain comes through and a touch of bird chili savoriness comes out. Aside from that bit of harshness, the palate is soft and balanced. The harshnesss paired with the bird chili fire (though not much bird chili) keeps this from coming across as too watered down, though it is on the border line. Perhaps a dash of white pepper. This lacks the fullness, richness, and complexity of Dalmore 12. which is already not a super complex or full scotch. Side by side, the weakness and wateriness here are apparent. This doesn't have a rough youthfulness, but the grain still does show clearly through and it's flavor is quite mild. F: The more bitter, rich, malty side of the grain comes out with clean water that has lost most of its floral character. Wafts of lime with the smoldering embers of bird chilis. This is a slightly interesting dram that isn't that great but certainly isn't bad. I really like the unique experience on display here, though I probably wouldn't buy a bottle because it seems more like a gimmick. This has a cleaner profile than Highland Park 12 (12) does. Between the two, I think I might actually prefer this. Dalmore 12 (15), is clearly superior though and Pure Scot Virgin Oak (14) is also better. I think it is going to be a 13. This is an odd one, but it has its own personality that withstands its low proof admirably and will find appreciation from some. Blanco and reposado tequila fans in particular might want to check this out.