Royal Salute is made in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. A powerful, sophisticated and opulent blend, aged for at least 21 a few years housed inside a classic Wade porcelain flagon, this scotch whisky is named for that tradition from the 21 Gun Salute that is certainly fired on the Tower based 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 other 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 didn't do anything to boost this whisky. Not recommended.
In subsequent tastings, the whisky became much tamer. Oxygen is not a friend of this scotch. Some whiskies seem almost impervious to oxidation. The flavour continues to be the same after opening.
Soon after, Royal Salute gets more oakey, sweet, smooth, while losing the spiciness and complexity which was initially impressive upon opening.
The Age Statement Illusion
Drinking Royal Salute provides mind the age statement illusion. Whisky companies would like you to consider that older whisky is better whisky. Not necessarily so. Royal Salute is living evidence of that.
You believe since you are paying more income just for this older whisky it needs to be better, but guess what happens? It's not better. It's boring. It cloyingly sweet, yep, it's. There isn't much complexity, virtually no peat whatsoever and almost no smoke.
Royal Salute is clearly a whisky that is attempting to achieve mass appeal (well for the people masses called the rich who can afford this pancake syrup). Easy drinking, smooth, sweet and wonderfully packaged in a velvet bag.
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