the queen whisky balmoral

Fancy trying the Queen's secret Balmoral whisky? Here's how

The monarch's Scottish residence is just one mile from the distillery

Deputy Lifestyle Editor
August 3, 2020

The Queen has been known to enjoy a glass of wine or a gin and tonic on occasion, but did you know Her Majesty also has access to some royally-loved whiskies at Balmoral Castle

READ: Picnics, BBQs and bracing walks: how the Queen spends her summer in Balmoral

After four months of self-isolation at Windsor Castle, the monarch, 94, and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, 99, are heading to the Highlands in August for their annual break at their Scottish residence, where they are often accompanied by other family members. And we can't help but wonder if any of the royals may enjoy some local whisky!

WATCH: 5 foods the royals love to eat

Situated just one mile from Balmoral Castle is Royal Lochnagar Distillery, which got its name after Queen Victoria visited in 1848 during her first holiday with Prince Albert. The royal clearly enjoyed the whisky - which she supposedly used to fortify her claret - as she then issued a Royal Warrant. 

Royal Lochnagar 12-year-old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £35.75, House of Malt

SHOP NOW

Described as a light and delicate whisky, the taste is "subtle and freshly woody," with a lingering sandalwood aftertaste. The smell of planed wood and light toffee are said to turn into coffee with brown sugar. Interested in trying it for yourself? Those visiting Scotland can take part in guided distillery tours, while the 12-year-old single malt scotch whisky and Selected Reserve whisky are also available to buy online. 

Former royal chef Darren McGrady revealed the Queen enjoys German sweet wine

But while it may feature on the drinks cabinet in the royal household, there are several other alcoholic drinks that the Queen also enjoys. Former royal chef Darren McGrady, who worked for the royal family for 15 years, previously told CNN the Queen's tipple of choice is "gin and Dubonnet. That's her favourite drink." He went on to clarify that drinking wasn't a daily habit, explaining: "She doesn't wake up in the morning and have a large gin and tonic." Darren added that when the royal does have a drink with dinner it is typically a glass of her favourite German sweet wine.

RELATED: The Queen's favourite dessert is even more decadent than we imagined

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.

Sign up to HELLO Daily! for the best royal, celebrity and lifestyle coverage

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Food

See more