The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Emma Briones
Rating: B-
Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Edition 2017 Blended Whisky
(Credit: Pernod Ricard)
Royal Salute has unveiled an all new 21 Year Old Polo Edition for 2017, this time designed to be enjoyed during the day. It is described by the company as “the ideal accompaniment to sophisticated sporting occasions such as polo.”
It is not the first time the brand has been related with polo and its lifestyle. Created in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Elizabeth II, Royal Salute has a longstanding relationship with polo. Nowadays, the brand sponsors more than 15 international tournaments around the world and includes the polo player Malcolm Borwick as the Royal Salute Polo ambassador.
The new blend has been developed by Royal Salute’s Director of Blending, Sandy Hyslop. The concept was to create a smooth and sophisticated blended scotch, a whisky that is perfect for a daytime dram and to be enjoyed under the sunshine and with outdoor entertaining.
This new edition is presented in a limited edition box signed by Malcolm Borwick, who has been the brand ambassador for more than six years, and features his widely recognized red helmet. As any other Royal Salute expression, the scotch, bottled at 40% ABV (80º proof), is housed in Royal Salute’s iconic hand-crafted porcelain flagons, that in this case showcases a polo theme in turquoise blue.
The Scotch
Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Edition 2017 is light amber in the glass with long tears. On the nose, it is light and delicate. There are sweet vanilla notes mixed with a touch of toasted oak. There are also some fruity scents, with apples and fresh melon, and a touch of berries jam. It has a slightly citrus point and a hint of sherry.
The blend is soft, fresh and slightly flat on the palate. There are smooth vanilla notes followed by a soft touch of caramelized apples and bananas. It is surprisingly spicy, with a touch of dark sugar.
The finish is really sweet and extremely long. Including some drying malty notes blended with its sweeter side.
Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Edition 2017 makes wonderful promises on the nose, disappoints on the palate and then wins you with its long-lasting finish. It is really a soft blend that you can enjoy on a warm summer day but, as it is a 21-year-old from Royal Salute, it becomes an expensive dram. The effect may only prove worth it for those who love a long finish and have a good whisky budget.
The Price
Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Edition 2017 is available globally. It is retailed at $140 in the US and around £150 in the UK.
