Royal Salute was made in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. A robust, sophisticated and opulent blend, aged for not less than 21 a number of housed inside a classic Wade porcelain flagon, this scotch whisky is termed for that tradition with the 21 Gun Salute that’s fired with the Tower based in london for Royal celebrations.

The 1st sip releases sumptuous sweet orange marmalade flavours infused with fresh pears that burst throughout the tongue. The other brings a refreshing 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 did nothing to further improve this whisky. Not advised.

In subsequent tastings, the whisky became much tamer. Oxygen is not an friend of the scotch. Some whiskies seem almost impervious to oxidation. The flavour remains the same after opening.

Soon after, Royal Salute gets more oakey, sweet, smooth, while losing the spiciness and complexity that has been initially impressive upon opening.

The Age Statement Illusion

Drinking Royal Salute provides mind this statement illusion. Whisky companies want you to consentrate that older whisky is much better whisky. Not really so. Royal Salute is living proof of that.

You think that since you are paying additional money with this older whisky it must be better, but do you know what? It’s not better. It’s boring. It cloyingly sweet, yep, it really is. There isn’t much complexity, virtually no peat whatsoever and little or no smoke.

Royal Salute is clearly a whisky which is trying to achieve mass appeal (well for anyone masses known as the rich who is able to afford this pancake syrup). Easy drinking, smooth, sweet and wonderfully packaged inside a velvet bag.

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