Royal Salute 21yo Whisky

Distillery Background and History

Royal Salute is a luxury blended Scotch whisky line produced by Chivas Brothers, part of the Pernod Ricard group. It was launched in 1953 to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and its signature is that every offering in the Royal Salute line is aged for a minimum of 21 years.  The brand name “Royal Salute” refers to the 21-gun salute fired at royal celebrations. 

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

The master blender team (not publicly named) maintains a philosophy of consistency: the Royal Salute 21 in its “Signature Blend” formulation has remained unchanged since 1953.  The vision is to craft a rich, elegant blend from a portfolio of rare Scotch whiskies each aged at least 21 years, ensuring depth and refinement. 

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

As a blended Scotch, Royal Salute 21 is made from multiple malt and grain whisky components drawn from Chivas Brothers’ stocks. Among its malt contributors is Strathisla distillery in Speyside.  The barley is malted barley, with the grain component from typical Scotch grain whisky sources; water sources and yeast strains are managed by the blending/production network of Chivas Brothers.

Distillation Process

Whisky components in Royal Salute are distilled by their respective distilleries under standard Scotch whisky methods (copper pot stills for malts, column stills for grain). After maturation, the blending team marries the components into the final 21-year-old blend.

Maturation & Cask Information

All components in Royal Salute 21 are matured at least 21 years in oak casks. The blend is then bottled at 40 % ABV. The exact cask composition (ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, etc.) is proprietary to Chivas Brothers. 

Tasting Notes

Nose: Pears and citrus fruit balanced with autumn flowers; vanilla, dry oak, subtle sherry and a wisp of smoke. 

Palate: Warm orange marmalade, fresh pears, followed by spices and hazelnut; touches of soft smoke emerge later. 

Finish: Long, dry, with hints of spice lingering. 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs well with nutty desserts, creamy cheeses, dark chocolate, dried fruit, rich pâté, and well-seasoned game meats.

Service Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a few drops of water to open aromas. Use a tulip or Glencairn glass to focus the nose. Ideal tasting temperature: ~16-18 °C.

Storage and Aging Potential

Once bottled, it is fully mature and stable. Store upright in a cool, dark, stable environment (15-20 °C). After opening, ideally consume within 1–2 years to preserve aromatic freshness.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Blended Scotch (combines malt + grain whiskies)

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

40 % (80 proof)