Chivas Regal Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blend

Royal Salute 21-Year-Old: The Signature Blended Scotch Whisky

Discover a Scotch whisky steeped in history and created to honour royalty. The Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Signature Blend is an object of desire for connoisseurs and a benchmark for exceptional blended Scotch. Housed in its iconic sapphire blue porcelain flagon, this is not merely a drink, but a piece of history, offering a tasting experience of unparalleled depth and sophistication. First crafted in 1953 as a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon her Coronation, this exquisite blend has remained unchanged, a testament to its perfect composition and enduring legacy.

This premium blended Scotch is a cornerstone of our collection at The General Wine Company, representing the pinnacle of the blender's art. For those seeking a truly memorable and luxurious whisky, the Royal Salute 21 offers a journey of flavour that is both profound and perfectly balanced.

The Story of Royal Salute

The narrative of Royal Salute is intrinsically linked with the British monarchy. Its story begins with the Chivas Brothers, who, in 1953, sought to create a gift of extraordinary character to mark the crowning of the new Queen. The age statement itself, 21 years, was chosen to reflect the 21-gun salute, the ultimate mark of respect fired to honour sovereigns and dignitaries.

Every single malt and grain whisky selected for this blend has been matured for a minimum of 21 years in carefully selected oak casks. This long and patient maturation process allows the individual spirits to develop profound complexity before being masterfully blended to create the harmonious and opulent character for which Royal Salute is celebrated. The spirit is presented in a handcrafted porcelain flagon, glazed in a deep sapphire blue that evokes the precious stones set within the Imperial State Crown, making it a magnificent centrepiece for any collection.

A Detailed Tasting Experience

Appearance: Pouring a generous measure into a glass, the whisky displays a deep, radiant amber-gold hue, hinting at the long years spent maturing in oak. It possesses a wonderful viscosity, creating slow, elegant legs that coat the sides of the glass.

On the Nose: The initial approach presents a sophisticated and aromatic bouquet. Rich notes of sweet, ripe orchard fruits, particularly baked pears and a delicate citrus marmalade, come to the forefront. These are beautifully interwoven with the soft fragrance of late summer flowers. As the aromas develop, an elegant undercurrent of creamy vanilla and toasted, dry oak emerges, crowned with subtle, sweet notes from sherry cask influence and the faintest trace of gentle smoke that adds an intriguing layer of complexity.

The Palate: The first sip delivers a wonderfully smooth, velvety texture that envelops the mouth. A welcome warmth introduces a rich tapestry of flavours. The sweet orange marmalade and juicy pear notes from the nose translate perfectly onto the palate, followed by a confident surge of warming spices, including a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. A delightful nuttiness, reminiscent of toasted hazelnuts, adds a delicious depth. The intricate balance between the sweet fruitiness, the creamy vanilla, and the structured oak is a testament to the master blender's skill. Through it all, a gentle smokiness lingers in the background, complementing rather than overpowering the other elements.

The Finish: The experience culminates in a finish that is remarkably long, satisfying, and elegantly drying. The gentle warmth of spice persists, leaving a final, pleasing impression of spiced oak and a distant whisper of smoke.

Serving Recommendations for a Regal Dram

To fully appreciate the magnificent complexity of the Royal Salute 21-Year-Old, we recommend serving it neat in a high-quality crystal tumbler or nosing glass at room temperature. For those who prefer a slightly different experience, adding a single, small drop of pure, still spring water can help to open up the bouquet, unlocking more subtle layers of aroma and flavour. If you prefer your whisky chilled, we suggest using a single large sphere or cube of ice. This will cool the spirit with minimal dilution, preserving its rich character and structure.

Exquisite Food & Cheese Pairings

The opulent and multi-layered profile of this whisky makes it a superb partner for fine food.

• Savoury Matches: The rich fruit and spice notes pair beautifully with rich game dishes like roasted duck with a cherry sauce or pan-seared venison. It also wonderfully complements seared scallops, where the whisky's subtle smokiness echoes the caramelisation of the seafood.
• Sweet Matches: For dessert, consider pairing it with a classic Scottish Cranachan, where the whisky's nutty and honeyed notes will harmonise with the oats and cream. It is also an exceptional companion to a rich, dark chocolate tart or a simple plate of high-quality 70% cocoa dark chocolate.
• Cheese Pairing: A mature, hard cheese is the perfect companion. We recommend a superb British cheese such as Montgomery's Cheddar, aged for at least 18 months. Its crumbly texture and complex, nutty, and earthy notes provide a wonderful counterpoint to the whisky's sweetness and spice.

A Connoisseur's Cigar Match

For the cigar aficionado, pairing the Royal Salute 21 requires a cigar of equal elegance that will not overpower its nuanced profile. A medium-bodied cigar is the ideal choice. We suggest a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2. Its creamy, complex profile with notes of cedar, sweet spice, and coffee creates a harmonious dialogue with the whisky's orchard fruit, vanilla, and gentle smoke. The smooth character of the cigar complements the velvety texture of the Scotch, making for a truly memorable and luxurious pairing.