Royal Salute was created in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. A strong, sophisticated and opulent blend, aged for at least 21 many housed within a classic Wade porcelain flagon, this scotch whisky is known as for that tradition with the 21 Gun Salute which is fired at the Tower of London for Royal celebrations.
The 1st sip releases sumptuous sweet orange marmalade flavours infused with fresh pears that burst across the tongue. The other brings a rich medley of spices and a nuttiness of hazelnuts that have an intensity before finally releasing a warmth with hints of masculine smokiness. Long, sweet and fruity.
Adding water didn't do anything to further improve this whisky. Not recommended.
In subsequent tastings, the whisky became much tamer. Oxygen is very little friend with this scotch. Some whiskies seem almost impervious to oxidation. The taste remains to be the same after opening.
Not much later, Royal Salute gets more oakey, sweet, smooth, while losing the spiciness and complexity that's initially impressive upon opening.
Age Statement Illusion
Drinking Royal Salute produces in mind this statement illusion. Whisky companies i would love you to consider that older whisky is best whisky. Certainly not so. Royal Salute is living evidence of that.
You think that since you are paying more money because of this older whisky it must be better, but guess what? It's not better. It's boring. It cloyingly sweet, yep, it can be. There isn't much complexity, without any peat whatsoever and almost no smoke.
Royal Salute is clearly a whisky that is certainly trying to achieve mass appeal (well for all those masses referred to as the rich who can afford this pancake syrup). Easy drinking, smooth, sweet and wonderfully packaged in the velvet bag.
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