Royal Lochnagar Scottish Ballet's 'The Sleeping Beauty Cask'
3rd September 2021
A unique
single cask of Royal Lochnagar whisky,
laid down in 1994, has now been bottled
ready for auction as part of Diageo’s
prestigious Casks of Distinction range.
Every pound raised at auction will go to
the Scottish Ballet Endowment Fund. All
bottling and auction costs have been
generously donated by Diageo and Whisky
Auctioneer in support of Scottish
Ballet.
Scottish Ballet, Diageo and Whisky
Auctioneer have announced the release of
470 bottles from a single cask of Royal
Lochnagar whisky, which will be sold at
auction 9-13 September 2021.
The unique single cask of Royal
Lochnagar spirit was laid down on the
4th November
1994 at the instigation of Lord
MacFarlane of Bearsden, who was at the
time Chair of United Distillers and Vice
Chair of Scottish Ballet. Scottish
artist Norman Edgar was commissioned to
paint the cask end portraying Scottish
Ballet Principal dancer Nicci Theis in
the iconic role of Princess Aurora, the
sleeping beauty. It was to be a donation
with a difference, an investment in the
future of Scotland’s national dance
company.
After twenty-six years slowing
maturing in a European oak ex-sherry
butt, cask No.
1289, ‘The Sleeping
Beauty’ was awakened and bottled at
natural cask strength 56.3% ABV
non-chill filtered on the 9th April 2021 as
part of the prestigious Casks of
Distinction range.
The cask produced 503 bottles which are now ready to be
shared with whisky lovers and ballet
fans alike, with every pound raised at
auction contributing to the Scottish
Ballet Endowment Fund. All bottling and
auction costs have been generously
donated by Diageo and Whisky Auctioneer
in support of Scottish Ballet.
The first auction lot will include
bottle number one and the unique cask
end painting by Norman Edgar depicting
Princess Aurora, the sleeping beauty.
The first ten lots will also include
exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences
with Scottish Ballet.
HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay and
Patron of Scottish Ballet, said:
"It is marvellous to know that this
unique gift has been bottled and will
now be offered for sale in support of
the Scottish Ballet Endowment Fund,
ensuring a lifelong benefit to all those
who love ballet and who love Scotland.’"
Christopher Hampson, CEO/Artistic
Director of Scottish Ballet, said:
"Like
all arts organisations, Scottish Ballet
has endured a challenging eighteen
months unable to perform live, and this
income will be vital in ensuring the
company’s long-term future and capacity
to inspire future audiences, on stage
and beyond. We are incredibly grateful
to everyone who has played their part in
bringing this whisky fairytale to life."
Lord MacFarlane of Bearsden said:
"It is deeply gratifying that this
Royal Lochnagar cask, which I presented
to Scottish Ballet in celebration of its
25th anniversary in 1994, is now being
awoken. I am delighted that people will
now be able to taste this extremely
special whisky, but even more
importantly the legacy of our donation
will be continued through the funds the
cask will raise for the Scottish Ballet
Endowment Fund."
Artist Norman Edgar said: "A great fan
of the artist Edgar Degas, I had never
painted any ballet paintings and enjoyed
creating the pose after watching a
performance of The Sleeping Beauty in
Glasgow, with the shape of Aurora’s
dress following the circular barrel
ends. As a relatively young man at the
time, I would also still be around to
sample the result!"
To find out more and register interest
in the auction which will be hosted on
the Whisky Auctioneer website between
9-13 September 2021 visit:
www.scottishballet.co.uk/whisky
Royal Lochnagar Scottish Ballet's 'The Sleeping Beauty Cask' Review
William
Morrison's Tasting Notes:
Nose:
A lovely gentle inviting sherried nose
exuding toffee infused with damson jam,
raisin, orange, a little almond and a
wee touch of spice.
Taste:
Burnt rum infused raisins, treacle
toffee with a dark chocolate orange
edge, a wee touch of vanilla gives a nod
to the 26 years in the cask, some lovely
oak spice and ginger.
Finish:
The sherry fruitiness and treacle toffee
along with what sweetness there was bitters out
and leaves some peppery spice in its
trail, some lingering oak tannins and a
little minty element.
Comment:
An outstanding mature expression of
Royal Lochnagar, it remains to be seen
what these bottles will go for at
auction but if your pockets are deep
enough you wont be disappointed and it
is for a very good cause.
SMW Whisky Score
92/100
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