Royal Lochnagar 12 Year (Game of Thrones-House Baratheon)

I recall the days when these Game Of Thrones expressions appeared on the market. The hype and prices were unbelievable, especially this expression of Royal Lochnagar 12yo "House Baratheon", which was one of the few I didn't try back then. And I really passed on it since it was one of the most expensive bottles of GOT (it was $250 and now goes for $75). This is my second Royal Lochnagar; the other one was the standard 12yo, which I liked. Bottled at 40% ABV, amber color. On the nose, lots of woody aromas. Sawdust and old wood. Honey and a little cereal. Hazelnut; it feels powdery. Mostly woody on the nose. After a first sip, it released marshmallows and apples. On the palate, it is very simple. Thick apple syrup. Lots of oaky flavors and a decent honey sweetness. Aftertaste is boring. It's like licking a wood table. There is a mild oak spiciness. Tobacco. Overall, this was a disaster. It's not awful nor off-putting, but it's like the most standard, normal, boring dram you can have. It feels like a honey syrup and nothing else. I don't even like using the "woody" and "oaky" notes in my reviews, but here those notes are unavoidable. For the price that this one originally was, it feels like a rip-off for Whisky enthusiasts. My score for it is a terrible 60 out of 100.

Smells like green apple jolly ranchers, oak, lemon zest, and oranges. The taste brings oak, pineapple, lemon, and a bit of smoke. It finishes short and fruity with just a touch of smoke. It’s definitely distinctive. However, it’s very basic. All I detect in the aroma, taste, and finish are tropical fruits and oak. Normally, I enjoy this mix with other scents and flavors, but on its own, it doesn’t really do it for me. It’s still an okay drink, but very plain and easily forgotten.

Aromatic, herbaceous, and flowery aroma. This whiskey is rather delicate; it's quite herbaceous and flowery. I detect distinct rose petals/floral notes, honey, lemon, followed by a bitter herbal/grassy finish, yet the floral and honey flavors linger on the palate. The floral/honey character is somewhat unexpected, as it's rather prominent and a little unconventional. While not deeply intricate, it's an enjoyable and easy-drinking spirit.

Appealing light copper hue with a deep, layered aroma. The taste isn't as powerful as the smell and color suggest, but it's still pleasing. Essentially, it's a darker, richer, and tangier variation of a standard Highland scotch. The mouthfeel is slightly less than 'creamy' but certainly not 'thin.' An enjoyable experiment, though perhaps not worth the cost? 3.77.

The evening's disappointment. I had high hopes for this iconic whisky from the house that took down the "mad king." I was expecting something potent, tough, and intense. I'm starting to think this is all just a big marketing ploy for ordinary whiskies...

Light body, fruity, smooth, and clean. Has subtle fig and date flavors. The distillate from Royal Lochnagar can be found in higher-end Johnnie Walkers, so drinking this will definitely bring to mind some characteristics of JWs. Overall, a pleasant everyday dram.