Royal Salute is fancy, no doubt. Regality is in its name and heritage is in its blend. Perhaps it wasn’t enough to have a range dedicated to the esteemed equestrian sport of kings. Or an Asia-exclusive Cognac Cask Finish. Or a 52 Year Old gem for true collectors. No, a monarch is never satisfied until he conquers more.
The exceptionally aged Scotch whisky one-ups itself with a trinity that honours its sovereign ties like never before. Not only does the 62 Gun Salute collection pay homage to the most prestigious ceremony existing in United Kingdom history; each of the three bottles is a symbol of Crown Jewels.
See, 41 gun salutes mark royal occasions. An additional 21 firings when it’s held within the City of London could only mean the deal is very big indeed. The rare spectacle only witnesses a regent birth, ascension, or coronation.
The sound of cannons, the bright flares and drifting smoke are all sensations of this grandiose tradition that these blends evoke. Two new expressions, The American Oak Reserve and The Peated Reserve, join The Original Reserve to form this permanent trio.
The Original Reserve already counts receiving IWSC Gold Outstanding at 98 points twice amongst its accolades. It finds its latest, well-earned home in a magnificent blue decanter echoing the Stuart Sapphire. The modern silhouette, signalling that this isn’t your regular Royal Salute, is also adorned with a gold neck collar and bejewelled enclosure.
This major bling also carries onto The American Oak Reserve. The striking deep red flagon takes after the Black Prince’s Ruby set, encapsulating the raw power of the special salute with a higher proportion of whisky aged in the finest— obviously—American Oak. It has since scored Gold at ISC on debut last year.
Completion comes in a smoky rendition, The Peated Reserve. Its complexity is a result of including malts from lost distilleries like Caperdonich in its blend; a distinct profile earning a Double Gold at ISC 2024 as well. Here, the elegant green casing inherits the 11 emeralds’ splendour.
How apt for the very landmark that holds gun salutes to carve a space for Royal Salute. Up a short flight of narrow stairs in the 13th century Martin Tower resides the first brand in the world to settle within the iconic Tower of London. Access is by invitation only.
The cosy nook is anchored by two antique cabinets that once kept the Cullinan and Koh-i-Noor diamonds safe. Today, they host the eminent 62 Gun Salute collection and their array of key essences. The brand unveils the range through interactive storytelling that activates upon placing your dram on the table.
Treasures Collection, precious creations dating as far back to its inception in 1953, also sit ready for savouring. In humbly unanimous bottling bereft of bells and whistles, each is distinguished only by inscriptions on a leather tag.
While you may probably never get to experience this exclusive whisky library in your lifetime, this triple trove awaits to induct you into a whisky empire fit for a king.
The Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute Original Reserve and American Oak Reserve are available at select retailers including Grand Cru and The Whisky Distillery. The Peated Reserve is available as a global travel retail exclusive in duty free airports worldwide.
