Royal Lochnagar Distillery
A small malt whisky distillery near Ballater that earned the "Royal" title after a visit from Queen Victoria.
The Royal Lochnagar Distillery lies about 1.5 km south of Balmoral Castle. It was founded in 1845, and in 1848 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited it and granted it a royal warrant. It is one of the smallest Diageo distilleries in Scotland and still keeps traditional methods. A guided tour (about one hour, including tasting) is required. You can see the mash tuns, copper stills and warehouses of oak casks, and taste Highland single malts. Booking in advance on the website is recommended. Drivers can collect a driver's tasting set to take home. Prices start at about £15. It can be combined with a visit to Balmoral Castle and is the easiest whisky distillery experience near Aberdeen.
Opening hours
approx. 10:00–17:00 (shorter in winter; guided tours by reservation)
Nearby sights
- Crathie Kirk
- Balmoral Castle
- Lochnagar
- Loch Muick
- Corgarff Castle
- Ballater
- Braemar Castle
- Braemar & Braemar Gathering