Royal Salute, the premium blended Scotch whisky of Chivas Brothers, starts where others end with this 21 years old whisky. Royal Salute was created to mark the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and the 21-gun salute that honoured her and the occasion. The recipe is said to have remained the same ever since.
The core whisky in the current range is The Signature Blend – it is joined by other 21 Year Olds called The Malts Blend, The Peated Blend and The Blended Grain. Other age statements include The Treasured Blend 25 Years Old and Key To The Kingdom 30 Years Old, plus several limited edition releases. All are created by Sandy Hyslop, the current Master Blender for Royal Salute.
Royal Salute has become recognisable around the world for its distinctive bulb shaped coloured flagon bottles, most often produced in signature porcelain ceramic. Since 2022, the 21 Years Old has been released in more sustainable glass bottle that is coated in the luxurious sapphire blue.
They also release commemorative bottles of the 21 Years Old Signature Blend recognising significant world events. This most commonly covers sport, art and fashion, anniversaries and famous individuals including the British Royal family. The brand also sponsors major polo tournaments around the globe.
Chivas Brothers, the world’s No.2 Scotch whisky producer, is the part of Pernod Ricard’s business dedicated to Scotch whisky. Its portfolio features some of the world’s most recognised single malt and blended Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute, The Glenlivet and Aberlour. These are exported from Scotland to over 120 countries worldwide.
The Royal Salute 21 Years Old: The Signature Blend is multi award-winning and bottled at 40% ABV. It is available through selected specialist and luxury retailers worldwide, with a recommended retail price of £180.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is deep gold and the nose feels elegant, luxurious and sweet. Luscious aromas of baked apple and poached pear mingle with dried fruits (think of raisin, sultana and papaya). There is a distinct toffee-like quality that is joined by vanilla fudge, heather honey and a hint of something rich and floral (imagine jasmine). A gentle woodiness comes through, which is reminisicent of antique furniture, as do hints of dried orange peel, beeswax and a tiny whiff of soft peat smoke in the background.
On the palate this whisky this feels soft, silky and creamy. It is candied and slightly confected up front with notes of toffee, vanilla fudge and plump, juicy sultana rising first. These are quickly joined by a lovely bittersweetness that adds wonderful depth and balance – think of oatmeal raisin cookies. Then comes the cooked green fruit – the poached pear and baked apple again, both drizzled in butterscotch sauce with a pinch of cinnamon and cocoa powder.
The fruitiness continues with hints of bitter orange oil and good apricot jam, before some nutty hazelnut praline comes through. This just adds to the distinctly creamy mouth feel. Some subtle savoury characteristics sit underneath and build complexity – imagine the beeswax, antique furniture and underlying soft smoke from the nose, but with a hint of chamois leather and old cigar box.
The finish is of decent length and is soft, sweet and laden with the dried fruits. Hints of crumbly brown sugar and cinnamon are also evident and all fade together. This makes the whisky more savoury and allows the delicate peat to become a touch more prominent.
What’s The Verdict?
This is our first time ever sampling Royal Salute and we are impressed. The whisky has a distinct elegance and a luxurious feel. It oozes class and has a set of flavours that can only be created by expert blending and old whiskies. Perfect for sitting, relaxing, sipping and savouring. The Signature Blend is very moreish and makes you want to reach for a second glass. It is easy to see why it has become a super premium classic and feels like a whisky fit for royalty.
