The “King of Whisky”, Royal Salute is an exceptionally crafted and aged Scotch whisky, starting where others end at 21 years old. Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the 21 gun salute that honoured her. Despite its royal beginnings, the brand balances modern demands by pushing the art of blending into new, creative and ambitious forms.
This year, the brand released the first blend in its Time Series, Royal Salute’s 52 Year Old Single Cask Finish. With only 106 bottles available world wide, and only number 37 and 38 available in Malaysia, it is priced at RM138,888 (US$30,000) a bottle.
Crafted by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, this exceptional 52-Year-Old blend demonstrates the value of enduring patience over many years. At over half a century old, each decade has refined the whisky, enriching it in another unique quality to create this timeless classic.
The exquisite whisky is housed in an individually engraved hand-blown Dartington crystal decanter within a Time Series box with five different layers of wood, each representing a decade of the blend. It is intensely fruity on the nose, with notes of ripe plum, toffee red apples, and dark chocolate covered hazelnuts. On the palate, it tastes of sweet orange marmalade with a hint of ginger and scented cloves.
“It’s a personal privilege to create such an outstanding whisky for Royal Salute. The longer the whisky matures, the more intricate it becomes and with 52 years of ageing, the delicate balance of some of the rarest of our whiskies, has created an unrivalled depth of flavour and unbelievably complex characteristic, making for a remarkable expression that perfectly shows that time is a key element of our creations.” – Sandy Hyslop: Royal Salute Master Blender
In honour of the preciousness of time and the release of the ‘King of Whisky’s’ ultra-rare, limited edition, The Time Series 52-Year-Old Single Cask Finish Scotch, Royal Salute will host its unique Olfactory Studio, a series of multi-sensorial experiences inviting guests to discover new ways of tasting whisky and the parallels with the world of perfumery. These unique sessions promise to give guests a sensorial take on Royal Salute’s precious and rare whiskies that begin where others end, at 21 years. Led by Scotch Whisky Ambassador, Jasper Epsom, The Olfactory Studio will be hosted in hotels and restaurants in Kuala Lumpur on the 15th of January 2021.
To commemorate the Malaysian debut of the release, media and selected guests were hosted the Royal Salute way, to a unique Olfactory Studio in Penang at Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion which much like Royal Salute, is a product of time and heritage.
Designed and developed by Royal Salute Creative Advisor Barnabé Fillion, the multi-sensory experience inspires its guests with enchanting new ways to enjoy the brand’s exceptionally aged collection of Scotch whiskies, each having their unique characteristics:
- The Signature Blend – full, deep fruity flavours with a subtle smokiness. Sweet aromas of citrus fruits overlayed with a subtle spice.
- The Malts Blend – super sweet and rich. Apricots, creamy vanilla and banana crème brulée all rounded off with a touch of spicy clove boiled sweets.
- The Lost Blend – juicy sweet pears, fresh hazelnuts, charred orange rind completed perfectly with aromatic smoky peat.
The century-old association of Royal Salute with Polo – the world’s oldest surviving team sport and a game that’s expanding in the modern era has brought the guests to a polo clinic and horse-riding experience at the BP Polo Club, hosted by Dato’ Chevy Beh who is an enthusiast of the prestigious sport himself.
It was in the same club we experienced a precious Royal Salute expression, the Quaich Ritual – a traditional Scottish ritual that symbolises a seal of friendship.
“Royal Salute is constantly elevating the art of appreciating rare and refined whiskies to enchanting and distinctive forms that are fit for royalty. It is a pleasure for us to introduce elegant experiences with substance and an educational aspect like The Royal Salute Olfactory Studio which are very attractive for discerning connoisseurs in Malaysia.”
— Karen Lee, Group Brand Manager, Whiskies & White Spirits, Pernod Ricard Malaysia
Recipients of the experience also had the opportunity to embark on a driving experience, courtesy of Cycle & Carriage Bintang and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. The Good Stuff cruised in the luxurious GLE 450 from Kuala Lumpur to Penang and traveled in the blistering fast AMG A45S on our journey back home, experiencing hands-on luxury, class and timeless beauty.
The Times Series 52 Year Old Single Cask Finish is only available via private enquiry. Prestige PR manager at Pernod Ricard Malaysia at trisha.kuck@pernod-ricard.com or +6016-428-4403.