Royal Salute has long been synonymous with exceptional whisky, and their latest offering, the 62 Gun Collection, is no exception. This trio of expressions pays homage to the highest ceremonial honour in British royal tradition – the 62 Gun Salute – a resounding tribute reserved for only the most significant occasions. The collection captures the grandeur of this tradition, offering a deep dive into flavour and craftsmanship.
The 62 Gun Salute itself is a powerful symbol, a mark of respect and celebration. It’s a moment of historical significance and Royal Salute has translated that gravitas into three distinct whiskies, each with its own character and story to tell.
The 62 Gun Salute The Original Reserve
The 62 Gun Salute The Original Reserve stands as the flagship of the collection. Encased in a sapphire blue decanter, reminiscent of the Stuart Sapphire, this whisky is a blend of over 50 of Scotland’s most exceptional malt and grain whiskies. The complexity is immediately apparent. The nose presents a powerful combination of sweet orange and nutty oak, with a subtle undercurrent of smoke. On the palate, the richness unfolds, with ripe plums and sherried sweetness leading to notes of dark chocolate and cinnamon. The finish is impressively long, a testament to the quality and depth of the blend. It is a whisky of remarkable structure and enduring flavour.
The 62 Gun Salute The American Oak Reserve
The 62 Gun Salute The American Oak Reserve offers a different perspective. This expression emphasizes the raw power of the gun salute, capturing its energy and force. Aged predominantly in American oak casks and bottled in a ruby red flagon (a nod to the Black Prince’s Ruby), it presents a unique flavour profile. The nose is inviting, with sweet notes of vanilla fudge, shortbread and genoise sponge, complemented by fruity aromas of blueberry muffins, red apples and strawberry jam. The palate delivers a burst of tropical fruit – pineapple, mango and papaya – followed by the sweetness of butterscotch and vanilla custard, with a touch of crystallised ginger. The finish is long, sweet and complex.
The 62 Gun Salute The Peated Reserve
The 62 Gun Salute The Peated Reserve adds a layer of intrigue to the collection. This expression builds upon the foundation of the Original Reserve, incorporating a subtle smokiness. Presented in an emerald green decanter, echoing the emeralds in the Imperial State Crown, this blend includes whiskies from the now-silent Caperdonich blossom honey, milk chocolate, honeycomb, orange marmalade and soft bonfire smoke. The palate balances tangy orange zest and lemon sherbet with ripe peaches, Jamaican ginger cake, toasted oak and wisps of sweet peat smoke. The finish is long and lively, with a lingering smoky sweetness.
The Royal Salute 62 Gun Collection is more than just a set of whiskies, it’s a journey through flavour, history and craftsmanship. Each expression is a carefully crafted tribute to a historic tradition, offering a unique and memorable tasting experience. These whiskies represent the pinnacle of blending expertise and provide a glimpse into the world of regal indulgence.
