To commemorate His Majesty King Charles III's 75th birthday, a remarkably exclusive and expensive single malt whisky has been released, carrying a price tag of £3,200 per bottle.
A Regal Tipple with a Royal Pedigree
The special edition Balmoral whisky is being sold through the Royal Collection Trust Shop, an official charity established by the Royal Household. All profits from the shop contribute to the conservation and public display of the Royal Collection's vast array of treasures.
According to details from Buckingham Palace, this is no ordinary spirit. The whisky was drawn from cask number 1838, which was first distilled on 7 November 1978. In a truly personal touch, King Charles himself sampled the batch before the decision was made to proceed with the bottling.
On 14 November 2023, which was the monarch's 75th birthday, a mere 253 bottles were filled and numbered by hand, ensuring its status as a highly limited collector's item.
Eco-Conscious Craftsmanship and Tasting Notes
The presentation of the whisky is as considered as its contents. Each bottle is distinguished by a gold engraving of the Balmoral crest, featuring His Majesty's Cypher at its centre.
The accompanying wooden case is handcrafted from windblown larch sourced directly from the Balmoral Estate and incorporates Balmoral Tweed. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, the packaging also uses an innovative, zero-waste seaweed paper made by Notpla, a company that won The Earthshot Prize. Prince William, The Duke of Rothesay, is the Founder and President of this environmental prize.
For connoisseurs, the official tasting notes describe an "elegant whisky in true Highland style". It promises a delicate aroma of fresh berries, redcurrants, and citrus zest, leading to a rich and creamy palate with notes of candied walnuts, toffee, ripe berries, and a lingering finish of oak spice.
Context: A Busy Season for the Royal Collection Trust
The launch of this luxury product comes as the Royal Collection Trust manages public interest in its festive offerings. Last week, the charity was compelled to issue a clarification after tourists were misled by an AI-generated advertisement promoting a non-existent Christmas market at Buckingham Palace.
Disappointed visitors arrived expecting stalls and mulled wine, only to find locked gates. The Trust confirmed that while there is a small, first-ever Christmas pop-up shop in the Royal Mews selling festive gifts and refreshments, there is no large-scale Christmas market on the palace grounds.
The release of King Charles' birthday whisky solidifies the Royal Collection Trust's role in creating unique, high-value items that blend British heritage with modern, sustainable practices, all while supporting the upkeep of the nation's royal history.
