Emma Mykytyn Royal Lochnagar launches rare 26-year-old Pursuits Edition whisky
Whisky collectors have a new limited-edition Scotch to hunt down, as Royal Lochnagar Distillery has launched The Pursuits Edition, a rare 26-year-old single malt Scotch whisky limited to just 840 bottles.
Priced at £900, Royal Lochnagar The Pursuits Edition is available exclusively from the historic Deeside distillery, close to Balmoral Castle.
As if a 26-year-old whisky wasn’t special enough, every bottle also comes with a handcrafted Scottish leather Pursuits Pouch, individually made by third-generation leather specialists Crawford Henderson in Maybole, Ayrshire.
Only 840 bottles of Royal Lochnagar The Pursuits Edition
Royal Lochnagar’s new 26-year-old release has been created as a celebration of the distillery’s Highland home and the outdoor pursuits that have long been associated with Royal Deeside.
The limited release comprises just 840 bottles worldwide, making it one of the more exclusive Royal Lochnagar bottlings available.
The whisky was initially released at the Braemar Gathering on 5 September 2026, before going on sale exclusively at Royal Lochnagar Distillery from 6 September.
The Pursuits Edition is bottled at 57.4% ABV, at natural cask strength, and is priced at £900 per bottle.
A 26-year-old Royal Lochnagar finished in Cognac casks
The whisky has been matured for 26 years before receiving additional finishing in French oak Cognac casks.
Royal Lochnagar says the result retains the distillery’s traditionally light and elegant character while adding layers of fruit, sweetness and spice.
Expect aromas of green apple, orchard fruits, vanilla, berries, coconut and spiced cake, followed by flavours of dried fruit, caramel, toffee, lychee and warming wood spice.
The finish is described as long, smooth and gently warming, with lingering notes of vanilla, dried fruit, toffee and floral sweetness.
Royal Lochnagar Pursuits Edition tasting notes
Nose: Bright green apples and orchard fruits with creamy vanilla and icing sugar sweetness. Floral notes appear alongside berries, coconut and spiced cake.
Palate: Sweet and rounded, with dried fruits, raisins and ripe berries followed by soft caramel, toffee, coconut, lychee and warm wood spice.
Finish: Long and smooth with spiced cake, vanilla, dried fruit, subtle toffee and light floral sweetness.
Each bottle comes with a handmade Scottish leather pouch
One of the most unusual features of the Royal Lochnagar Pursuits Edition is its presentation.
Every bottle comes with a handcrafted Pursuits Pouch designed to reference traditional Highland outdoor activities.
The leather pouch can be attached to a belt, saddle or basket and has been designed and produced by Crawford Henderson, a third-generation leather manufacturer based in Maybole, Ayrshire.
Each pouch is handmade using traditional manufacturing techniques, meaning no two are exactly alike.
The collaboration adds another Scottish element to a whisky already strongly connected to its Royal Deeside surroundings.
Laura Sharp, Brand Home Manager at Royal Lochnagar Distillery, said the release puts the distillery’s heritage and its surrounding countryside at the heart of the new bottling.
She said the 26-year-old whisky was designed to showcase the countryside pursuits associated with Royal Deeside, with the accompanying leather bag offering something particularly distinctive for Royal Lochnagar collectors.
The history of Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Royal Lochnagar is one of Scotland’s smaller traditional whisky distilleries and sits around one mile from Balmoral Castle, at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains.
The distillery was established in 1845 and takes its name from nearby Lochnagar.
Its royal connection dates back to 1848, when founder John Begg invited Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to visit during their first stay at Balmoral.
Following the visit, the distillery became known as Royal Lochnagar.
The distillery continues to use traditional whisky-making equipment including a cast-iron, open-topped mash tun, which contributes to the lighter style associated with Royal Lochnagar single malt.
Royal Lochnagar currently also holds a Royal Warrant by Appointment to HM The King.
Can you visit Royal Lochnagar Distillery?
Yes. Royal Lochnagar Distillery is open to visitors and offers whisky tours and tasting experiences throughout the year.
Visitors can learn about the production of Royal Lochnagar whisky, explore the history of the distillery and discover more about its longstanding links with the Royal Family and nearby Balmoral.
Whisky tastings, drams and cocktails are available, alongside non-alcoholic options.
Its location close to Balmoral Castle also makes Royal Lochnagar an easy addition to a Royal Deeside or Cairngorms itinerary.
Where can you buy Royal Lochnagar The Pursuits Edition?
Royal Lochnagar The Pursuits Edition 26-Year-Old is available exclusively from Royal Lochnagar Distillery in Deeside.
Only 840 bottles have been produced.
Age: 26 years old
ABV: 57.4%
Price: £900
Release: 840 bottles
Availability: Royal Lochnagar Distillery, Deeside
Cask finish: French oak Cognac casks
Each bottle is supplied with its own handcrafted Crawford Henderson leather Pursuits Pouch.
For information about tours, tastings and visiting Royal Lochnagar Distillery, see the Royal Lochnagar section of the Malts website.
