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1 hour
Mobile ticket
Join us for a guided tour of our small, unique distillery to discover the very essence of Royal Lochnagar with its traditional ways of working and smooth, grassy character.
Your host will then guide you through a tutored nosing and tasting of 2 of our specially selected Royal Lochnagar single malts.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Royal Lochnagar distillery is situated just one mile from Balmoral Castle and sits at the foot of the Cairngorm mountains, fed by the crystal-clear water of the Scarnock springs. Originally called New Lochnagar, it was renamed following a royal visit from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1848. Today, the distillery combines the traditional pagoda kiln heads, and techniques like the open mash tun, with expert-led tours and tastings to help whisky lovers discover the story of Royal Lochnagar, its scenic setting and, most importantly, its beloved whisky.
Tutored nosing and tasting of 2 of our specially selected Royal Lochnagar single malts.
Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Royal Lochnagar Distillery Ballater United Kingdom
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
375igord,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Good whisky, interesting tour. Dave was excellent knowledgeable guide with amazing humor. This distillery is particularly interesting as besides standard technology it has a kind of ‘lab’ of whisky from others they analyze.
921laetitiag,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We visited the distillery on March 19, 2026. Our guide, Moira, took the time to explain everything clearly, even when we were not familiar with some English terms. She made sure we understood each part of the tour and answered all our questions with patience. We were also allowed to take photos inside the distillery, which we appreciated. Moira’s pride in her workplace was evident, and she genuinely seemed to enjoy sharing the story and process of Royal Lochnagar Distillery with us. It made the visit more engaging and memorable. A big thank you to Moira.
418flintv,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Dave gave us a wonderful tour!
ritagQ2099CX,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Really enjoyed learning about whiskey. Stuart D was our guide and he explained the process in a clear & interesting way. I’m not a big drinker but I enjoyed the tips he gave us to enjoy the whiskey tasting
matthewsS3432QQ,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Annie was amazing if you go on the tour ask for her, if you buy something in the shop again ask for Annie she knows her stuff
BrendaH898,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
EVERYTHING you wanted to know about whisky but were afraid to ask … ask Tom … he was an excellent guide with wisdom galore for wee Texans

X1830ZHdouglasa,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had an enjoyable tour of the Royal Lochnagar distillery. Our tour guide Annie, who was both knowledgeable and humourous, kept everyone engaged. The whisky tasting itself was relaxed and unhurried.
blondie103,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Drove all the way from Dundee through the best scenery in the world . Great weather . Excellent professional guide with the long hair and beard. Had a little problem and before i could say Royal Lochnagar Ms Laura Sharp had solved it . I would like to go again even though i am not a whisky drinker . Fresh air ,no crowds , no litter . Wonderful little shop
marinelX4835CJ,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Thank you to Tom for this wonderful visit. He took the time to explain the different steps.
jh iamnot,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Thoroughly Enjoyed the tasting. Come early so you can have Dave all to yourself. Wonderful experience
Operated by Diageo Scotland Limited