Local Drinks
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Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms is a destination renowned for its acres of rich, fertile land and clear spring waters which cut through it. This distinct landscape plays a key role in producing the best home grown ingredients, which are then used to create tasty dishes in its restaurants and hotels. But the rugged terrain also adds a special something to Royal Deeside’s locally produced beverages.
Acknowledged as Scotland's national drink, whisky - in the Gaelic, uisge beatha (pronounced oosh-ga beh-huh), meaning water of life - has been produced here for longer than anyone can remember, so it’s no surprise that it’s a favourite tipple with Royal Deeside’s visitors and residents alike. Royal Lochnagar Distillery, next to Balmoral Castle, produces arguably some of the best single malt whisky in the country. In part, this is thanks to the fresh Scottish spring water used in its production, as well as the age old traditions and craftsmanship upheld by the distillery. Lochnagar’s 12-Year-Old or Special Reserve whiskies can be found in some of the local bars and hotels that scatter this area and are well worth sampling. Visitors who want to know more about this fiery liquid can delve deeper into the world of whisky by following the Malt Whisky Trail in nearby Speyside.
Brewing in Scotland has taken place for over 5,000 years – it was started by the ancient Picts who used spruce and heather in their fermented refreshments. Today the ingredients and methods used in breweries may have moved on but the ales are even more distinctive and wonderful. Set beside the sparkling River Dee within Deeside Activity Park, Deeside Brewery produces two very distinct ales - Macbeth, named after the ill-fated Scottish king who died in battle at Lumphanan; and Brude, named after a local 6th century King of the Picts. The surrounding mountains provide the inspiration for the original recipes and the pure water of the river is an essential ingredient. This range of special beers is growing in popularity and many of the local pubs in the area are beginning to stock them.
Most will agree that the waters that flow through Royal Deeside are as unique as the landscape. Sourced from the springs at historic Pannanich Wells at Balmoral Castle, Deeside Mineral Water is supplied to customers across the world. The water is naturally filtered through millions of pores deep within the ancient granite rock before it finds its way to the surface and emerges from the artesian spring under its own pressure. It’s been enjoyed by Royals, sportsmen and stars alike and is believed to have huge health benefits.
