Royal Salute was created in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. A powerful, sophisticated and opulent blend, aged for no less than 21 years and housed in the classic Wade porcelain flagon, this scotch whisky is named to the tradition in the 21 Gun Salute that is certainly fired with the Tower based in london for Royal celebrations.
The very first sip releases sumptuous sweet orange marmalade flavours infused with fresh pears that burst through the tongue. The next brings a refreshing 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 boost this whisky. Not advised.
In subsequent tastings, the whisky became much tamer. Oxygen is not a friend with this scotch. Some whiskies seem almost impervious to oxidation. The taste 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.
The Age Statement Illusion
Drinking Royal Salute brings to mind this statement illusion. Whisky companies want you to think that older whisky is much better whisky. Definitely not so. Royal Salute is living proof that.
You think that since you are paying more money 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, hardly any peat whatsoever and hardly any smoke.
Royal Salute is clearly a whisky that is wanting to achieve mass appeal (well for anyone masses called the rich who are able to afford this pancake syrup). Easy drinking, smooth, sweet and wonderfully packaged in the velvet bag.
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