Royal Salute was made in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. A powerful, sophisticated and opulent blend, aged for not less than 21 many housed inside a classic Wade porcelain flagon, this scotch whisky is termed for your tradition with the 21 Gun Salute that's fired at the Tower in london for Royal celebrations.
The very first sip releases sumptuous sweet orange marmalade flavours infused with fresh pears that burst across the tongue. The next brings a rich medley of spices plus 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 improve this whisky. A bad idea.
In subsequent tastings, the whisky became much tamer. Oxygen isn't a friend of this scotch. Some whiskies seem almost impervious to oxidation. The flavour continues to be same after opening.
Soon after, 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 provides mind age statement illusion. Whisky companies would like you to consider that older whisky is better whisky. Certainly not so. Royal Salute lives proof of that.
You feel as you are paying additional money just for this older whisky it ought to be better, but guess what happens? It's not better. It's boring. It cloyingly sweet, yep, it really is. There isn't much complexity, without any peat whatsoever and almost no smoke.
Royal Salute is clearly a whisky that is looking to achieve mass appeal (well for the people 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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