Royal Salute is made in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. An effective, sophisticated and opulent blend, aged for a minimum of 21 years and housed in a classic Wade porcelain flagon, this scotch whisky is termed for your tradition from the 21 Gun Salute that is certainly fired on the Tower in london for Royal celebrations.

The first sip releases sumptuous sweet orange marmalade flavours infused with fresh pears that burst across the tongue. The other brings a wealthy medley of spices along with a nuttiness of hazelnuts with an intensity before finally releasing a warmth with hints of masculine smokiness. Long, sweet and fruity.

Adding water did nothing to enhance this whisky. Not advised.

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

Soon after, Royal Salute becomes more oakey, sweet, smooth, while losing the spiciness and complexity that was initially impressive upon opening.

Age Statement Illusion

Drinking Royal Salute provides mind the age statement illusion. Whisky companies would like you to consider that older whisky is much better whisky. Definitely not so. Royal Salute resides proof that.

You think that since you are paying more money with 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 that is looking to achieve mass appeal (well for all those masses called the rich who is able to afford this pancake syrup). Easy drinking, smooth, sweet and wonderfully packaged in a velvet bag.

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