Okay, whisky lovers, here’s some news worth raising a glass to. Royal Salute, the brand that only makes whisky aged for at least 21 years (yes, 21), just dropped its latest limited edition and it’s basically Rio de Janeiro in a bottle.
But before we dive into the tropical vibes, let’s talk about why Royal Salute is kind of a big deal.
A Whisky Born From Royalty
Royal Salute has always been about legacy and a touch of royal flair. The brand was created in 1953 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation with a 21-gun salute, hence the name and the 21 years of aging. Their motto? “We Begin Where Others End.” And they mean it.
Over the years, the brand has kept things fresh with new expressions while staying rooted in tradition, making it one of the most iconic names in the whisky world.
Royal Salute ❤️ Polo
Here’s something you might not know: Royal Salute has a serious thing for polo, the “Sport of Kings.”
For more than 15 years, they’ve been sponsoring tournaments across the globe; British Polo Day, The Snow Polo World Cup, and The Duke of Sussex’ Sentebale Polo Challenges, to name a few, blending the sport’s sophistication with the brand’s luxurious style at these high-profile events. It’s not just about the game; it’s about the lifestyle that comes with it.
This love story between whisky and polo led to the creation of the Royal Salute Polo Collection, a series of limited-edition whiskies inspired by iconic polo destinations, including Argentina, Jodhpur and Miami.
Next Stop: Rio de Janeiro
And now, the spotlight is on Brazil. The Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition is here, and it’s bringing all the energy of Rio; polo matches, samba beats, and carnival vibes straight to your glass.
Master Blender Sandy Hyslop crafted this blend using whiskies from Braeval Distillery matured in first-fill casks for fresh floral notes, then balanced it with malts aged in American Oak for that creamy vanilla and coconut sweetness.
A Bottle That Pops As Much As The Flavour
And if we’re being honest? This bottle is a looker. The vivid green flagon with golden accents pays tribute to Brazil’s flag, while the packaging shows off Rio’s skyline and lush landscapes. It’s basically art you can drink.
Even Malcolm Borwick, Royal Salute’s World Polo Ambassador, can’t wait to open one:
“The city’s cultural energy is electric, and so it’s a fitting destination to honour within the Royal Salute Polo Collection. I look forward to savouring this new blend after my next polo match there.”
What You’ll Taste
Here’s the cheat sheet for your first sip:
- Nose: Poached pears, charred pineapple, vanilla cream, and a hint of flowers.
- Palate: Honeydew melon, green apples, coconut, toffee, white chocolate, plus a kick of cinnamon and cardamom.
- Finish: Sweet, complex, and smooth — like a carnival parade for your taste buds.
Where To Find It
The Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition is limited-edition, priced from RM1,060, and available at premium liquor stores, the Pernod Ricard Malaysia Shopee Store, and via direct purchase.
For more info, visit www.royalsalute.com or follow @royalsalute on social media.
