Royal Salute 21yo The Harris Reed Pink is a limited-edition blended whisky from Scotland, the third instalment in The Fashion Collection, created in collaboration with British-American fashion designer Harris Reed. The whisky matured for a minimum of 21 years and is bottled at 40% ABV.
Royal Salute is a brand owned by Chivas Brothers, whose blends are created at the Strathisla distillery in the Speyside region. Royal Salute is a blended Scotch whisky produced and bottled by Chivas Brothers at the Strathisla distillery in Speyside, Scotland, launched on 2 June 1953 in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her coronation. This expression was created during a blending session at the Strathisla distillery, where Harris Reed joined Master Blender Sandy Hyslop to present his personal style and preferences, which were reflected in the profile of the blend.
The character of this release is determined by the selection of its components. The exceptional addition of sherry-cask-matured Braeval and American oak-matured Glenburgie lends the whisky a sweet-and-spicy style, resulting in a rich blend with a vibrant, complex palate. The Harris Reed Edition combines the hallmarks of the Royal Salute style with notes derived from sherry-matured Braeval, American oak-matured malts and a measure of grain whisky finished in heavily charred and toasted virgin oak casks.
The aroma reveals distinct fruity and confectionery notes. Notes of fresh red apples, homemade raspberry preserve and crème brûlée combine with velvety hazelnut praline, hints of cinnamon and sweet toasted oak. On the palate, a second layer of the profile unfolds. Pear crumble, creamy vanilla fudge and toasted almonds from the heavily charred virgin oak cask are complemented by the sherry-matured Braeval, bringing notes of raisins, gooseberry preserve, lively ginger and hints of cloves. The finish is rich, complex and spicy.
The bottle is part of the visual concept of the entire series. While designing the collaboration, Harris saw natural parallels between Royal Salute's royal heritage and his signature plumes, which he describes as contemporary crowns; the plume became the central motif of the design, adorning the flagon with iconography that unites Harris Reed's theatrical world with the realm of Royal Salute. Each flagon is decorated with a halo of feathers, referencing Reed's iconic headpieces, and the design has been released in three colour variants.