Royal Salute, the master of exceptionally aged Scotch whisky, is making its revered prestige Small Batch Collection of superlative, cask-finished blends available to more travellers across Asia travel retail.
Previously limited to a select few retailers in a handful of locations, the travel retail exclusive Collection, numbered 001 to 008, are all aged between 25 and 28 years old and feature an array of distinguished finishes – from the bold taste of Rye casks to the luxurious dimension of Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks.
Part of (now retired) Chivas Brothers’ Master Blender Sandy Hyslop’s private reserve inventory, the rarity and exclusivity of these cask finished whiskies cannot be understated, each benefitting from his meticulous attention and patience in waiting for the perfect moment when the desired essence has been imparted to these exquisite blends.
In 001: the Travel Exclusive Limited Edition, First Fill Rye Cask, there lies an unusual 27 Year Old blend which, through the use of first-fill American rye casks, delivers a striking and distinct balance between the signature smooth profile of Royal Salute and a bold, spicy edge.
On the nose there are aromas of homemade strawberry jam, dried apricots and red apples, layered upon notes of soft caramel, coconut sponge cake and a touch of blossom honey. On the palate, initial notes of sweet pineapple, mango sorbet and pear crumble give way to lingering notes of orange chocolate, vanilla and ginger spice. The finish is long, rich and jammy.
In 008: the Taiwan Travel Exclusive Edition, First Fill Pedro Ximénez, there is the most opulent blend of the Collection displaying a velvety, dessert-like texture; finest Scotch whisky comprised of malt and grain, every one aged for at least 25 years before being married together in first-fill Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks.
On the nose there are aromas of stewed apples, marmalade, hints of raspberry coulis and dark chocolate. On the palate, notes of dried fruits such as apricot, fig and cranberry dominate, followed by hints of crystallised ginger and toasted oak. The finish is long and fruity and sweet.
Both expressions have an ABV of 40% and are presented as 70cl purple and gold porcelain flacons in their own beautiful matching presentation case, clearly showing the batch number, date of distillation and Hyslop’s signature.
The Royal Salute Small Batch Collection Batch 001 and 008, along with the rest of the Collection, will now be offered to whisky lovers across the whole of Asia, where stocks allow, from July.
