The number 53 has always been important to Royal Salute. Chivas Brothers launched the brand on June 2, 1953 in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her Coronation, and now the blended Scotch makers are turning to their favorite numeral once again to introduce their new The Art of Wonder collection. The first release in the new series is the 53-year-old Royal Salute Forces of Nature by Kate MccGwire whisky that’s priced at $90,000.
The Royal Salute The Art of Wonder collection will be created in collaboration with various artists, beginning with British sculptor Kate MccGwire, who is best known for her work with feathers. She created a one-of-a-kind piece to accompany the whisky.
Expertly crafted by Royal Salute Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, the liquid is a stunning and ultra-rare 53-year-old blend, with just 21 decanters available, individually hand blown by artisan glassmakers Dartington Crystal. Each decanter is engraved with intricate feathers and gilded in 24-carat gold leaf, with magnificent curves inspired by Kate MccGwire’s enchanting sculptures. Furthermore, each decanter is accompanied by one of 21 pieces of art, called Paragon, created by Kate MccGwire exclusively for Royal Salute, using specially selected and sustainably sourced pheasant feathers. Together, they are housed in a hand-crafted wooden cabinet, accompanied by a beautiful art book detailing the collaboration between Royal Salute and the sculptor.
Commenting on her collaboration with Royal Salute, Kate MccGwire said: “For this body of work, I was inspired by the unpredictable and ever-changing ‘Forces of Nature’ that influence the forms and energy that embody my sculptures. The three pieces I have created exclusively for Royal Salute celebrate the world of whisky and use regal pheasant feathers which are so beautifully figured with luminous amber in the brown, reminiscent of a well-aged blend. After visiting the Strathisla distillery, I was also inspired by Royal Salute’s copper whisky stills, and have used the material in two of the pieces I’ve created, Protean and Plethora.”
The expression is rich and fruity on the nose, leading to notes of berries, candied walnuts, and sweet toasted oak with a long, rich, and slightly dry finish.
“For the first volume from the Art of Wonder collection, I wanted to create an outstanding expression that reflected Royal Salute’s desire to push individual craft beyond expectation,” said Royal Salute master blender Sandy Hyslop. “To do that, together with my expert team, we crafted an opulent 53-year-old blend, one of the highest ages we have ever released. This is a thrilling moment, and it’s been a privilege to blend such rare and precious whiskies at the pinnacle of what is achievable with delicate high-aged stock laid down by my predecessors.”
Five out of the 21 decanters will be available to travelers beginning in October 2022 in the following airports: Hainan, Sydney, London Heathrow, Dubai International and Singapore’s Changi.
“With collectability and investment important in this segment, we have noticed a thirst for truly luxury items, so I’m confident this unique expression will excite travellers around the world,” said Liya Zhang, vice-president of marketing at Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail.
The product will make its debut at the inaugural World of Wines and Spirits (WOWS) event at Changi Airport. Royal Salute, The Art Edition will also be involved in a silent auction to be held on the WOWS portal.
For more information, head over to Royal Salute’s official website.
In June, Royal Salute launched a special Platinum Jubilee Edition to celebrate the Queen’s 70 year reign.
