Royal Lochnagar 1981 25 Year Old Official 'Roseisle Maltings 25th Anniversary' 60.0%

This is a true Mane Dra (Mannochmore) style, with the aroma and flavor profile typical of a Diageo special cask. Royal Lochnagar ROYAL LOCHNAGAR 1981(?)-2008 25yo OB 'ROSEISLE MALTINGS 25TH ANNIVERSARY' 60.0% The aroma is rustic yet powerful, centered around a robust and thick barley character, supported by apricot jam, plum jam, faint earthiness, dry nuts, oak, and a plain yet rich cask influence. When tasted, it surprisingly has a viscous texture, expanding into a spicy and aromatic flavor. The barley's umami slowly seeps out with each chew, permeating the entire tongue with a textured mouthfeel, a rich sweetness, and a long, pleasant finish. 【Very Good/Excellent】 This Royal Lochnagar 25-year-old was bottled to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Roseisle Maltings. As it's labeled as 25 years old for bottling in 2008, the distillation date would be around 1983. However, there is a note suggesting that the label used was from the first batch of Roseisle Maltings in 1981. It's unclear whether this is a 27-year-old distillation rounded down for the anniversary, or if it's a vatting of casks from around 1981 and 1983. Regarding the flavor, regardless of being an 80s vintage, this malt clearly demonstrates that good is good. It's not a typical matured or cask-influenced malt with obvious characteristics, as it's high proof. While it may appeal more to connoisseurs, its core is a simple yet refined barley character, supported by fruity jam-like notes, earthiness, nuts, and a moderate oak influence. Upon tasting, this high-proof malt surprisingly exhibits viscosity, evolving into a spicy mouthfeel. The intense umami of barley permeates the entire tongue with each chew, and other elements like jam-like fruitiness and earthiness deepen the flavor, yet the barley character remains dominant. This feels exactly like a special Diageo Highland cask, reminiscent of the aroma and flavor of Mannochmore's Old Malt. Notably, the unexpected viscosity suggests long aging and maturation, implying that the fruity notes may strengthen further while the barley character remains steadfast. Thus, it might be even more enjoyable with further aging. This time, like watching a pitcher's first pitch straight ball, I was overwhelmed. However, with careful sipping, one might uncover its diverse aromas and appreciate this deliciousness that's hard to articulate in a tasting note. #Royal Lochnagar (ROYAL LOCHNAGAR)