Royal Salute 21 Year Old The Malts Blend is a blended malt Scotch whisky, the first malt blend in the history of the Royal Salute brand. It comprises 21 single malts, each matured for a minimum of 21 years, sourced from five whisky regions of Scotland. Bottled at 40% ABV.
Royal Salute is a Chivas Brothers range with roots reaching back to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In 1953, when the young Princess Elizabeth ascended the throne, a blend was created using whisky from Strathisla, the oldest working distillery in the Scottish Highlands, and the name Royal Salute was given in honour of the famous 21-gun salute. The brand is the only one to consistently use in its blends exclusively whiskies matured for at least 21 years. The Malts Blend extends this tradition to the blended malt format, combining single malts without any grain whisky.
The aroma is led by orchard fruit and flowers. On the nose, sweet peaches and mandarins intertwine with pear and blackcurrant, while fresh violets add a floral note. On the palate the profile is round and sweet. Creamy vanilla, apricots and banana crème brûlée emerge, contrasting with spicy notes of clove. An independent assessment from Whisky Advocate completes the picture: the nose is drawn with rich fruit, dried apricot, whole orange, macadamia nut, ground spices and a peppery note. The palate is harmonious, with citrus, apple, pear, barley sugar and ginger pepper, while the finish centres on orange and light spice.
The whisky is presented in a distinctive form. The blend is housed in a porcelain flagon covered with an emerald glaze, its colour recalling the precious stones set in the Imperial State Crown.