(Photo: Royal Salute)
Royal Salute, the blended scotch imprint helmed by the Chivas Brothers, has unveiled a trio of bottlings that pay homage to an esteemed British ceremonial occasion.
On Tuesday, the brand unveiled its 62 Gun Salute collection, comprised of Original Reserve, American Oak Reserve and Peated Reserve contained within blue, red and green decanters, respectively. Details are few and far between regarding the spirits themselves, each of which is said to blend over 50 whiskies aged for a minimum of 40 years. No alcohol content has been provided, though you can expect flavors of tropical fruits, bonfire smoke and orange zest across the catalog.
Overseen by master blender Sandy Hyslop, the expressions serve as a reinterpretation of the brand's founding inspiration. Royal Salute was conceived in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, who was officiated with a 21 gun salute by the British Royal Navy; today, Royal Salute's inaugural 21-year expression is the youngest age statement in its catalog. In contrast, the 62 Gun Salute collection pays homage to a ceremony of the same name regularly held on the River Thames for royal birthdays and state visits.
“As the crowning jewel in Royal Salute’s portfolio, the crafting process behind this collection was lengthy and meticulous until I was absolutely confident we had blends representative of an authentic 62 Gun Salute ceremony," Hyslop said. "The collection’s flavour profile is beautifully complex and rounded, connecting all the senses to create a lasting taste experience that reflects the significance of the occasion.”
Royal inspiration comes with royal price tags. Adorned with a handcrafted crystal stopper and 24-karat gold inscriptions, the Original Reserve and American Oak Reserve are slated to hit retailers in July at $3,000 and $3,300 respectively. The Peated Reserve will be made available exclusively at duty-free airports, where it can be picked up at $3,300.
The brand last honored the royal family in 2023 with a sapphire-blue "Coronation of King Charles III Edition" whisky, one of several exclusive scotches released by brands across Europe to honor the occasion. Other gems in the Royal Salute catalog include its $20,000 Platinum Jubillee Edition and $120,000 Time Chamber decanter.
Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute Collection Tasting Notes, Per the Brand
The 62 Gun Salute Original Reserve
Nose: "An explosion of power, bursting with a zenith of intense sweet orange, mingles with a superb depth of nutty, oaky flavour. Just a sensation of smoke evokes a top dressing of distinction. The impressively long finish lingers luxuriously with superlative structure."
Taste: "Flavour of ripe peach married together with the fragrant scent of boiled sweets provides a rich and intense aroma, impeccably rounded with notes of vanilla, crème brûlée and cinnamon."
Finish: "Long and warm, with a touch of gentle spice."
The 62 Gun Salute American Oak Reserve
Nose: "Sweet notes of vanilla fudge, freshly baked shortbread and genoise sponge are intertwined with fruity notes of blueberry muffins, sweet red apples and homemade strawberry jam. With time, hints of hazelnuts, lime zest and toasted oak develop."
Taste: "Bursting with ripe tropical fruit flavours - namely pineapples, mango and papaya. These give way to sweet notes of butterscotch, vanilla custard and crystallised ginger."
Finish: "Long, sweet and complex."
The 62 Gun Salute Peated Reserve
Nose: "Initial fruity notes of dark cherries, ripe pears and sweet green apples give way to blossom honey, milk chocolate honeycomb, homemade orange marmalade and soft bonfire smoke."
Taste: "Tangy orange zest and lemon sherbet are layered upon notes of ripe peaches, Jamaican ginger cake, toasted oak and wisps of sweet peat smoke."
Finish: "A long, lively finish with enduring sweet smoke notes."
