Country: Scotland
Brand: Chivas Regal Royal Salute
Type: Blended Whisky
Age: 21 Years
Alcohol: 40%
Date: 28/02/2012
Colour: Dark Amber
Nose: Beautiful Nose. Quality Oak and Peat. The Vanilla from the Oak reminds me of good Bourbon. Honey, Apples and Cinnamon. Additional Fruits come through. Think of Apricots and Melon. Bit of Salt and Sweet Oloroso Sherry and a hint of Smoke. This is very well balanced.
Taste: Full Bodied Delivery despite its mere 40%. Wonderful. Ripe Pear and Melon. Buttered Toast with Honey. Spices like Ginger. The Oak is still there as well as a bit of Smoke. Sweet Oloroso holding it all together.
Finish: Sweet Barley and Chocolate. Toffee, Honey and Vanilla from the Oak. Bit of dry Ashes in the end.
Rating: 90
Nose 23 - Taste 23 – Finish 21,5 - Overall 22,5
I added a few drops of water, which brought out more Apples in the nose and some Malt and Nuts. The Apricots and Melon are replaced by Blossom and Grassy tones. On the palate you get more Sweet Grains and Sherry and more Chocolate is added to the finish. You can certainly play with a couple of drops of water with this Blend.
Strathisla Distillery
General Remarks: This Blend was launched in 1953 on the occasion of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Her crown was set in precious stones (Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires). The colors of those Stones inspired the hand made bottles for the Royal Salute. The name of the Blend derives from the 21 Guns Royal Salute that is given in the honor of notorious visitors to the English Crown. At the heart of this blend lies the Speyside Single Malt Strathisla. It is aged in Oak Casks for at least 21 long years. The main markets for this blend are The Middle East, South America, Asia and Russia. It’s expensive. Prices may vary from as low as US$ 125, - in Free Shops to a maximum of around US$ 600, - here in Brazil.
Drinking Experience Straight: Very Good
Conclusion: This is good stuff! This would have gone straight to # 1 in my list if not for my slight disappointment with the finish. Don’t get me wrong, the finish is still good but given the Royal Salute’s high price and its great nose and taste, a little bit more attention should have been paid here. As it is, this is a very good blend for a Special Occasion. If you find it under US$ 150, - you can safely buy it. You won’t regret it. After all, the Royal Salute is a whisky worthy of Queens!
Jan van den Ende February 2012