In 2015 Chivas Brothers marked yet another royal occasion with the launch of The Royal Salute Age Collection, a limited edition set of 10 blended Scotch whiskies, released to celebrate the Queen’s 63rd year on the throne – the longest reign of any British monarch. Just 20 porcelain decanters were released, encrusted with over 400 diamonds and priced at US$200,000 (£150,000) a pop. In 2002 whisky was drawn from the stash to produce Royal Salute 50-year-old for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.Ī decade later Chivas Brothers master blender, Colin Scott, created Royal Salute Tribute to Honour to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Its spiritual home of the brand is Strathisla in Keith, and select casks have been put aside in the Royal Salute Vault at the distillery to mark future celebrations. Wealthy consumers in Asia have been key to its success, and the brand is a major polo sponsor. It was decided that Royal Salute should kick off with a 21-year-old, made using whiskies laid down in the 1920s and ‘30s.
To celebrate the Queen’s coronation in 1953 Charles Julian, Chivas Brothers’ master blender, took inspiration from the traditional 21-gun salute used to mark royal occasions. The standard 21-year-old was described by whisky writer Dave Broom as ‘a stunningly good blend’ being ‘smooth as silk, rich and elegant with a huge range of rich flavours’. Older releases have included a 40-year-old bottled in a red Baccarat bottle to mark the Queen’s 40th anniversary, the 50-year-old Coronation Cask, and the 45-year-old Tribute to Honour. Today the Royal Salute also includes the Eternal Reserve, Diamond Tribute, 38 Years Old Stone of Destiny, and 62 Gun Salute. Other colours, all containing the same 21-year-old blend, have included blue (first introduced in 1960), and burgundy, which first arrived in 1985. The one that started it all a whisky fit for a. It initially featured the Royal Coat of Arms, which was later replaced by the Chivas Brothers crest depicting Robert the Bruce.Ī brown decanter was introduced in the 1950s but was discontinued in 1991. Royal Salute Blended Scotch Whisky, born in Speyside in 1953 as a tribute to the British monarchy. Since its launch Royal Salute has always been bottled in coloured ceramic decanters, the first of which was green, and made by Royal Doulton. Royal Salute is unique in that the youngest ‘entry-level’ expression in its range is 21 years old. Of these, the most prestigious is Royal Salute, launched in 1953 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. Showered with royal warrants since 1843, Chivas Brothers has more than returned the favour with Chivas Regal and a bevy of other blends with the word ‘royal’ in the title. Oaky smokiness enhanced with a powerful floral fragrance and a mouth-filling velvety creaminess.Royal Salute Profile Blended Scotch Whisky Sumptuous sweet gooseberry and fresh pear infused with spicy hazelnuts and lavander. The flagon is created by expert craftsmen and is enclosed in a velvet pouch.ĭeep golden amber reflects the power and intensity of this whisky. The crest incorporates the image of Robert the Bruce and bears a Gaelic motto which translates as 'fidelity, stability since 1801'.
Lavishly presented in a porcelain flagon, each bottle is individually embellished with the Chivas Brothers crest, over a four day period by craftsmen at Wade. The deep gold colour of the whisky reflects the power and richness of the flavours, with soft fruity aromas balanced with a delicate floral fragrance and mellow honeyed sweetness. Its distinctive taste is the result of masterful blending and perfect ageing. IWSC Gold Best in Class 2008, Scotch Whisky Masters, Gold Medal 2009, Scotch Whisky Masters, Gold Medal 2010
110 Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2017).December/2017 A suitably glamorous libation for spectators of the sport of kings. Cinnamon, black pepper, and apple peel make for a harmonious finish. This well-paced, silky blend canters through red apple, cherry, pomegranate, pressed date bars, Brazil nut, nutmeg, and pepper. Whisky Advocate 91 points - A pedigree blend gracing your glass with aromas of sultana, prune, glace cherry, toffee, nutmeg, dense dark fruits, sweet toffee, and cozy Christmas spices.