Royal Lochnagar Unveils 26YO Cognac Cask Whisky
Bottled at 57.4% Cask Strength with Handcrafted Leather Pouch, Limited to 840 Bottles Worldwide
Diageo's Highland distillery Royal Lochnagar has unveiled The Pursuits Edition, a new 26-year-old single malt Scotch whisky strictly limited to 840 bottles globally. The expression made its exclusive debut on September 5 at Scotland's Braemar Gathering.
French Oak Cognac Cask Finish and Artisan Leather Pouch
Preserving the distillery's signature light and delicate spirit character, The Pursuits Edition underwent secondary maturation in French oak Cognac casks and was bottled at a natural cask strength of 57.4% ABV. Each bottle is accompanied by a bespoke handcrafted leather pouch designed and made by Crawford Henderson, a third-generation leather workshop in Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland. Designed to attach to a belt, saddle, or hamper, it pays homage to traditional Highland country pursuits.
Official Tasting Notes
According to official tasting notes, the aroma opens with crisp green apple and orchard fruits layered with creamy vanilla and icing sugar sweetness, giving way to delicate floral aromas, berries, coconut, and a hint of spiced cake. The palate is rounded and luscious, delivering dried fruit, sultanas, and ripe berries alongside caramel, toffee, coconut, lychee, and warming wood spices. The finish is long, smooth, and gently warming, transitioning from spiced cake and vanilla to lingering dried fruit, subtle toffee, and soft florals.
Laura Sharp, Brand Home Manager at Royal Lochnagar, noted that the distillery's storied heritage remains at the heart of the guest experience, and the team is delighted to celebrate the spirit of Royal Deeside's outdoor pursuits through this exceptional 26-year-old release.
A Royal Warrant Highland Distillery Heritage
Nestled in the Deeside region of the Scottish Highlands, Royal Lochnagar was founded in 1845 and remains one of Scotland's smallest distilleries. It continues to employ traditional open cast-iron mash tuns to produce its delicate spirit style. Situated just a mile from Balmoral Castle, the distillery was bestowed the "Royal" prefix in 1848 following a visit from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and proudly holds a Royal Warrant granted by HM The King.
📅 Publication Date: 2026-09-04
🔗 Source: The Whiskey Wash