Royal Salute was created in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. An effective, sophisticated and opulent blend, aged for at least 21 years and housed within a classic Wade porcelain flagon, this scotch whisky is named for that tradition with the 21 Gun Salute which is fired on the Tower of London for Royal celebrations.

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

Adding water did nothing to improve this whisky. A bad idea.

In subsequent tastings, the whisky became much tamer. Oxygen isn’t a friend on this scotch. Some whiskies seem almost impervious to oxidation. The flavor remains the same after opening.

A week later, Royal Salute gets more oakey, sweet, smooth, while losing the spiciness and complexity that was initially impressive upon opening.

Age Statement Illusion

Drinking Royal Salute produces in mind the age statement illusion. Whisky companies would like you to believe that older whisky is better whisky. Not necessarily so. Royal Salute lives proof that.

You feel as you are paying more money with this older whisky it ought to be better, but guess what happens? It’s not better. It’s boring. It cloyingly sweet, yep, it’s. There isn’t much complexity, without any peat whatsoever and hardly any smoke.

Royal Salute is clearly a whisky that is certainly attempting to achieve mass appeal (well for the people masses referred to as the rich that can afford this pancake syrup). Easy drinking, smooth, sweet and wonderfully packaged inside a velvet bag.

To read more about royal salute 21 go to see our web site