Royal Salute is made in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. A robust, sophisticated and opulent blend, aged for a minimum of 21 many housed inside a classic Wade porcelain flagon, this scotch whisky is named to the tradition of the 21 Gun Salute which is fired at the Tower in london for Royal celebrations.

The initial sip releases sumptuous sweet orange marmalade flavours infused with fresh pears that burst throughout the tongue. The 2nd brings an abundant medley of spices as well as a nuttiness of hazelnuts with an intensity before finally releasing a warmth with hints of masculine smokiness. Long, sweet and fruity.

Adding water didn’t do anything to enhance this whisky. Not suggested.

In subsequent tastings, the whisky became much tamer. Oxygen is not an friend with this scotch. Some whiskies seem almost impervious to oxidation. The taste remains the same after opening.

Not much later, Royal Salute gets to be more oakey, sweet, smooth, while losing the spiciness and complexity that has been initially impressive upon opening.

Age Statement Illusion

Drinking Royal Salute brings to mind this statement illusion. Whisky companies want you to consentrate that older whisky is better whisky. Not necessarily so. Royal Salute lives proof that.

You believe since you are paying more cash because of this older whisky it needs to be better, but guess what? It’s not better. It’s boring. It cloyingly sweet, yep, it can be. There isn’t much complexity, almost no peat whatsoever and almost no smoke.

Royal Salute is clearly a whisky which is wanting to achieve mass appeal (well for anyone masses called the rich who is able to afford this pancake syrup). Easy drinking, smooth, sweet and wonderfully packaged inside a velvet bag.

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