Royal Salute was made in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. A robust, sophisticated and opulent blend, aged for a minimum of 21 many housed inside a classic Wade porcelain flagon, this scotch whisky is called for your tradition of the 21 Gun Salute that is fired in the Tower based in london for Royal celebrations.

The 1st sip releases sumptuous sweet orange marmalade flavours infused with fresh pears that burst through the tongue. The next brings a refreshing medley of spices as well as 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 enhance this whisky. Not advised.

In subsequent tastings, the whisky became much tamer. Oxygen is not a friend on this scotch. Some whiskies seem almost impervious to oxidation. The taste remains to be the same after opening.

Not much later, Royal Salute grows more oakey, sweet, smooth, while losing the spiciness and complexity that has been initially impressive upon opening.

This Statement Illusion

Drinking Royal Salute brings to mind this statement illusion. Whisky companies would like you to believe that older whisky is better whisky. Not necessarily so. Royal Salute resides proof that.

You’re thinking that since you’re paying more money for this older whisky it should be better, but do you know what? It’s not better. It’s boring. It cloyingly sweet, yep, it can be. There isn’t much complexity, virtually no peat whatsoever and hardly any smoke.

Royal Salute is clearly a whisky that is looking to achieve mass appeal (well for anyone masses called the rich who can afford this pancake syrup). Easy drinking, smooth, sweet and wonderfully packaged in the velvet bag.

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