Whisky Review/Tasting: Chivas Royal Salute 21 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Chivas Royal Salute 21 years old is a blended Scotch whisky.
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: The whisky includes a significant sherry cask matured component, with one of the lead malts being from Strathisla, known as the home of Chivas. The blend includes whiskies from several distilleries within the Chivas range.
Age Statement: 21 years old.
Color & Clarity: The whisky is described as having a sweet, full, and fruity profile, suggesting a rich amber color typical of aged whiskies with sherry influence.
Bottle Design: The whisky is presented in a sapphire flagon made by Wade Ceramics, located in Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent. The flagon is made of porcelain, vitrified at high temperatures to achieve a glass-like structure. The design includes a coating for color, a hologram seal for security, and a high-quality cork. The packaging is luxurious, with golden card boxes featuring cannon and knight designs.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky offers a complex and full flavor profile, with no noticeable grain whisky presence.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its sweet, fruity, and full-bodied taste, with hints of cedar wood, apple, vanillin, caramel, and a slight sherry influence. A very subtle smokiness is detected in the background.
Comparison: Compared to other whiskies in the Chivas range, the Royal Salute 21 years old is distinguished by its absence of grain whisky taste and its complex, rich profile.

Historical Context: The Chivas Royal Salute 21 years old was produced to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The name "Royal Salute" refers to the 21-gun salute, a naval tradition of firing cannons harmlessly out to sea as a sign of peace.
Anecdotes: The tradition of the 21-gun salute is elaborated with interesting trivia, such as the varying number of rounds fired in different locations for royal celebrations.

British Empire Tradition: The 21-gun salute tradition is deeply rooted in the history of the British Empire and its naval practices.
Royal Celebrations: The whisky's connection to Queen Elizabeth II's coronation and the detailed explanation of the gun salute tradition highlight its cultural significance.

"This is a full and complex whisky, and there is no sign of any grain whisky in it." - Horst Luening, emphasizing the quality and complexity of the blend.
"You have a wonderful presentation, an even more wonderful decanter, and this extraordinary taste of this blended whisky." - Praise for the overall quality and presentation of the whisky.

Chivas Royal Salute 21 years old is a premium blended Scotch whisky with a rich, complex flavor profile.
The whisky commemorates Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, with its name inspired by the 21-gun salute tradition.
Packaged in a luxurious sapphire flagon, the whisky offers a sweet, fruity, and full-bodied taste with subtle sherry and smoky notes.
The blend is noted for its absence of grain whisky taste, indicating a high-quality composition.
The whisky holds cultural significance, tied to British naval traditions and royal celebrations.

Whisky Collectors: The unique packaging and historical significance make it a must-have.
Sherry Cask Whisky Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the rich, complex flavors influenced by sherry cask maturation.
Beginners: The absence of a strong grain whisky taste and the balanced, full flavor profile make it accessible.
Gift Seekers: The luxurious presentation and decanter make it an impressive gift for special occasions.