There are few names in the world of whisky that evoke the same sense of regal sophistication as Royal Salute. Since its inception in 1953 to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, the brand has become synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship, heritage and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of blending.
Now, Royal Salute has unveiled two new expressions, The American Oak Reserve and The Peated Reserve, to join the Original Reserve in its 62 Gun Salute Collection. Together, they form a trio that pays homage to the ceremonial 62 Gun Salute and invites us to experience the grandeur of royal tradition through the senses.
The 62 Gun Salute Collection is inspired by one of the most prestigious royal traditions: the 62 Gun Salute, reserved for momentous occasions at the Tower of London. Forty-one shots mark the royal event, with an additional 21 fired when the salute takes place within the City of London. It’s a spectacle of precision, power and pageantry, one that Master Blender Sandy Hyslop sought to capture in liquid form.
“As the crowning jewel in Royal Salute’s portfolio, the crafting process behind this collection was lengthy and meticulous,” Hyslop explains. “I wanted to ensure we had blends that truly represented the sensory experience of a 62 Gun Salute ceremony, from the thunderous cannon fire to the lingering smoke.”
“This collection connects all the senses, creating a lasting experience worthy of its regal heritage”
The Original Reserve, the cornerstone of the collection, has been reimagined for the modern whisky enthusiast. Blended from more than 50 exceptional malt and grain whiskies, it’s a symphony of flavours housed in a sapphire blue decanter inspired by the Stuart Sapphire in the Crown Jewels. The taste profile is rich and complex, with notes of sweet orange, nutty oak and a whisper of smoke, culminating in a long, warm finish.
The American Oak Reserve is a striking addition to the collection, crafted with a higher proportion of whiskies aged in American oak casks. Presented in a ruby-red decanter that nods to the Black Prince’s Ruby—which can be seen in England’s Imperial State Crown—this expression is a celebration of power and sweetness. Its flavour profile is vibrant, with tropical notes giving way to butterscotch and crystallised ginger.
Completing the trio is The Peated Reserve, a global travel retail exclusive that brings a bold, smoky dimension to the collection. Incorporating rare malts from the now-closed Caperdonich distillery, this whisky captures the lingering smoke of the ceremonial salute. Presented in an emerald green decanter inspired by the Crown Jewels’ emeralds, it’s a deeply resonant and boasts a long, lively finish.
For whisky enthusiasts and collectors, The 62 Gun Salute Collection is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Each decanter is housed in a piano-lacquered box adorned with intricate illustrations, accompanied by a wooden serving tray that mirrors the dynamism of the gun salute ceremony. As Hyslop aptly puts it: “This collection connects all the senses, creating a lasting experience worthy of its regal heritage.”
The 62 Gun Salute Original Reserve and The American Oak Reserve are available at select retailers in Singapore, including Grand Cru and The Whisky Distillery, as well as on Pernod Ricard’s VIP platform Le Cercle. The Peated Reserve is exclusively available at duty-free airports.
