Royal Salute has deepened its roots with the British monarchy by opening an invite-only whisky tasting room within the Tower of London complex. The luxury Scotch brand was established to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and the Tower of London has been residence to myriad kings and queens since 1066.
Now serving the royals in a very different way (tourism revenue), the Tower of London has given a room in the 13th-century Martin Tower over to Royal Salute, transforming it into one of the most exclusive whisky experiences available in the city.
Neatly tied in with the reveal, Royal Salute has also revamped its treasured 62 Gun Salute blend, with two new releases joining the long-standing Original Reserve. The invite-only space – regally called the Royal Salute Exclusive Tasting Chamber – will be the only place in the world where you can sample the exclusive new collection by the dram, at least for the time being.
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The 62 Gun Salute has been Royal Salute’s most exclusive permanent expression for years. That Original Reserve is now joined by an American Oak Reserve and a Peated Reserve. Together they offer a wider insight into the spectrum of flavors Royal Salute can achieve with the breadth of whiskies at its disposal (a typical Royal Salute blend contains at least 21 different single malts from Scotland’s five whisky regions).
The American Oak Reserve uses over 50 single malts and a higher proportion of ex-bourbon casks to instill a complex blend with additional sweetness. The Peated Reserve takes inspiration from the smoking cannons of the royal gun salute by injecting more firey peated whisky into the blend.
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As well as a 62 Gun Salute flight, the Royal Salute Chamber will offer VIPs a chance to delve deep into the archives in what is being termed the Treasures Collection. This not only includes the 62 Gun Salute flight, but some of the oldest and rarest expressions in Royal Salute’s portfolio.
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Such a tasting may include the $25,000 King Charles III edition and the $20,000 Platinum Jubilee edition. Royal Salute will keep these whiskies under lock and key in cabinets that once held some of the most iconic stones in the Crown Jewels, including the Cullinan diamond. You’ll also get a private tour of the Crown Jewels and a sensory exploration of bespoke fragrances created by master perfumer Barnabé Fillion.
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The Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute Original Reserve ($3,000) and The American Oak Reserve ($3,300) are available at selected retailers globally. The Peated Reserve ($3,300) is available exclusively in duty-free airports with a global rollout pending. For more information, visit royalsalute.com
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