Royal Salute has added a new 51 Year Old whisky to its Time Series collection. The new Scotch is one of the oldest blends Royal Salute has ever made and one of its most rare, with just 101 decanters of the new expression set to be released.
To create the Royal Salute Time Series 51 Year Old, master blender Sandy Hyslop used some of the oldest casks in Chivas Brothers’ inventory. Included in the blend are whiskies from Strathisla, Longmore, and Glen Keith as well as ghost distillery Caperdonich.
“The Royal Salute Time Series 51 Year Old is an undeniably special expression that blends exceptional style with high-aged whisky,” said Hyslop. “Crafting a Scotch of that age requires intense care and attention to ensure the cask characteristics are perfectly absorbed without being overpowering, and the moment I tested the final blend will stay with me forever; the masterful role that time has played over a minimum of five decades of slow maturation really blew me away. This release is a one-of-a-kind expression.”
On the nose, the whisky offers sweet-wooded notes with hints of spice. Marmalade and lemon zest balanced with a floral base that suggests a Speyside-dominant blend, while more time in the glass gives way to a sweeter profile of toffee fudge and toasted sugar. The palate is “remarkably similar to a St Clements cocktail,” says the brand. Lemon and lime balance in harmony with fresh oranges, while spicy sandalwood notes come through after that initial citrus kick. Only then do those sweeter notes begin to appear. The finish is long and highly evolving. The initial wood spice begins to fade and evolves into warming cinnamon paired with sweeter notes of toffee fudge. As with most whisky of this age, this is one to spend at least an hour. Time in the glass allows a more indulgent sweetness to shine through, akin to creme caramel and honey.
The rare blended Scotch domes in a deep blue crystal decanter that has been hand-blown by Dartington Crystal and is individually numbered, making each one unique. The presentation box is built from five layers of oak to represent the five decades it took to create the blend.
Bottled at a cask strength of 45.4%, Royal Salute Time Series 51 Year Old is now available from specialist global retailers for $30,000.
For more information, head over to Royal Salute’s official website.
In October, Royal Salute unveiled the Couture Collection, a whisky range celebrating global fashion. The new series begins with the 21 Year Old Richard Quinn Edition, which was unveiled during London Fashion Week.
