Name: Chivas Royal Salute 21
Color: Light Brown
Nose: Light malt, cedar wood, herb/earthy, almonds
Taste: Malt, walnut, cedar wood, creamy almonds
Royal Salute 21 is a 40% abv blended scotch whisky that is encased in a heavy blue ceramic bottle and is packaged in an impressive decorated box. Produced by Chivas Regal, this scotch was created in 1953 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. The choice of 21 years aligns with the 21-gun salute which is used to celebrate Royal anniversaries.
I received this bottle as a birthday gift last year from my in-laws and I was waiting for the right time to crack it open. I figured after the shit year that was 2020 it was time to have dram or two before 2021 arrived. I was excited to try this scotch, but the excitement quickly passed after the second and third sip. I was not impressed. Royal Salute 21 is smooth, but simple and lacks the complexity that I would expect for the age and cost of this scotch. Upon my second dram, I got a real “Emperor’s New Clothes” feeling continued to sip it and take notes.
Royal Salute 21 is smooth, earthy, has nice cedar and nut notes and I would not turn down a glass if it was offered, but I would not buy one for myself. I think this scotch would taste better in a castle in the Highlands after a stag hunt, fishing trip or before haggis was served for supper.
Priced around $275-$300 and worth a try if you got the money, but for this price if you are learning buy multiple bottles of younger whisky.
If you like it, drink it! – Chris
If you like it, drink it!
