Royal Salute 21yo Miami Polo Limited Edition 1st fill Rye and Bourbon Cask

Distillery Background and History

Royal Salute is Royal Salute’s flagship brand by Chivas Brothers, created in 1953 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. Every Royal Salute release has at least 21 years of aging, and the brand is known for its premium blending and commemorative limited editions. The “Miami Polo Edition” is the sixth in the Polo collection, drawing inspiration from Miami’s glamour and polo tradition. 

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Master Blender Sandy Hyslop oversaw this release. The philosophy: push boundaries by finishing the blend in 100% first-fill rye and first-fill bourbon casks—a first for Royal Salute—adding American oak character (vanilla, coconut) layered with spicy rye elements, while retaining the signature harmony and elegance of the brand. 

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

As a blended Scotch, components come from multiple malt and grain whiskies aged in Scotland. The malt whiskies are drawn from the Chivas Brothers’ cask stocks. Water and yeast are those standard to the contributing distilleries (typical Scottish sources) — no special local sourcing is disclosed for this edition.

Distillation Process

Each malt component is distilled in copper pot stills with traditional double distillation. Grain whiskies (if included) derive from column stills. The distinctive aspect lies not in distillation but in the finishing cask regimen.

Maturation & Cask Information

After at least 21 years maturation, the blend is fully finished in first-fill rye and first-fill bourbon casks. This double American oak finishing layer is intended to introduce creamy vanilla, tropical coconut, and spice from rye influence. 

Tasting Notes

Nose: Juicy ripe pears, honey blossom, vanilla custard, marzipan, white chocolate, and subtle cinnamon spice. 

Palate: Apricot, pear drop sweets, coconut shavings, milk chocolate, zesty lemon curd, with hints of aromatic gingerbread. 

Finish: Sweet, silky, and complex, with lingering coconut and spice. 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs well with tropical fruit desserts (coconut flan, mango pudding), crème brûlée, almond tart, spiced pork with fruit glaze, and mild cheeses.

Service Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a dash of water to open aromatics. Use a Glencairn or tulip whisky glass. Ideal tasting temperature is ~16–18 °C.

Storage and Aging Potential

Once bottled, it’s fully matured and stable. Store upright in cool, dark conditions (~15-20 °C). After opening, consume within 1–2 years for best expression.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Blended Scotch (malt + grain components) finished entirely in malt influence via finishing casks

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

40 %