A special edition of the Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky to commemorate King Charles III’s 75th birthday has been announced.
Balmoral is known as the Royal Family’s home in Scotland, so to mark the momentous birthday the iconic castle will release a 45 year-aged single cask which was distilled at the neighbouring Royal Lochnagar, called the King’s Birthday Edition.
Speaking to the Daily Record, a spokesperson for Balmoral said: “His Majesty The King’s 30th birthday in November 1978 was marked with a collection of photographic portraits taken in the grounds of Balmoral Castle.
“In celebration of His Majesty’s 75th birthday, we are thrilled to be releasing a whisky distilled that same month by our neighbour, Royal Lochnagar, presented in a case made with larch from the Balmoral Estate.”
Royal Seal Of Approval
The whisky was distilled on November 7, 1978, and was tasted earlier this year by his majesty the King himself. 253 bottles were then filled and numbered by hand on November 14 in celebration of the King’s birthday.
They’re priced at £3,200 per bottle and some of the proceeds from the spirit’s sale will be used to plant 75 trees for every bottle sold. This will result in 18,000 trees being planted which will flourish for generations.
Three bottles, including the 75th, will be held back and sold to raise funds for charities in Aberdeenshire.
President of Global Supply Chain & Procurement at Diageo and Grantee of the Royal Warrant held by Royal Lochnagar Ewan Andrew also commented on the creation of the spirit, as well as the special relationship between Balmoral and the Royal Family.
He said: “The association between Balmoral and Royal Lochnagar Distillery dates back to the first Royal visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1848.
“Everyone at Royal Lochnagar today is proud to supply our Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky to Balmoral, and also to have welcomed His Majesty, as The Duke of Rothesay, to the distillery on several occasions.
It was an honour to select one of our rarest casks for The King’s Birthday Edition and fitting that it will generate a natural legacy in the area through the tree planting it will support on the Balmoral Estate.”
If you’re keen to get your hands on one of these bottles then you’ll probably need to be quick. They went on sale Friday December 14th and they’re only available in the Balmoral gift shop and on the castle’s website.