Chivas Royal Salute 21 years ceramic pitcher | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The lead malt in Chivas Royal Salute is Strathisla, which is located not in Speyside but in the Eastern Highlands of Scotland, close enough to Speyside to share a similar taste profile.
Type: This is a high-end blended Scotch whisky, with a significant portion of the blend being malt whisky and a smaller percentage being grain whisky to add smoothness.
Distillation & Maturation: The whisky includes a decent amount of malt whiskies matured in sherry casks, contributing to its flavor profile. The blend comprises more than a dozen different malt whiskies.
Age Statement: 21 years.
Color & Clarity: The whisky is described as having a golden texture.
Bottle Design: The whisky is presented in a porcelain flagon, glazed in a sapphire blue hue reminiscent of the precious stones set within the Imperial State Crown. The packaging includes a card box, which is noted to be somewhat unstable for the bottle but decorated with artwork featuring animals associated with the Tower of London.

The Chivas Royal Salute 21 years old is characterized by its elegance, roundness, and smoothness. It has a fruity profile with a light nuttiness and a hint of smokiness, although the latter is very subtle. The blend is described as velvety smooth, with notes of ripened fruits complemented by hints of spices. The taste includes a light oily texture from the grain whisky, but the malt is dominant, leading to a full, soft mouthfeel. The long aftertaste reveals a light chocolate note, attributed to the 21 years of maturation, including in sherry casks.

The Chivas Royal Salute was created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and has been the official partner of all ceremonial royal gun salutes fired at the Tower of London. The porcelain bottle's royal blue color is inspired by one of the gems from the Imperial State Crown. The blend's name and presentation are deeply tied to British monarchy traditions.

The whisky's connection to the British monarchy, specifically its creation for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation and its ongoing role in royal ceremonies, imbues it with significant cultural and historical importance. The Eastern Highlands origin of its lead malt, Strathisla, and the use of sherry casks for maturation, also add geographical significance to its profile.

Horst Luening, the senior taster, expresses a personal fondness for Chivas, particularly the older expressions starting from 18 years. He describes the Chivas Royal Salute 21 years old as a "wonderful whisky" and a "treasure," highlighting its elegance, smoothness, and complexity.

Chivas Royal Salute 21 years old is a high-end blended Scotch whisky with a significant malt component, matured in part in sherry casks.
It has a smooth, elegant, and fruity flavor profile with a hint of smokiness and a long, soft aftertaste with a note of chocolate.
The whisky celebrates British monarchy traditions, created for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
The porcelain flagon's design is inspired by the Imperial State Crown, adding to its luxurious presentation.
Horst Luening recommends this whisky for special occasions and praises its complexity and craftsmanship.

Whisky Collectors: The unique porcelain flagon and the whisky's connection to British royal traditions make it a desirable addition to any collection.
Special Occasion Enthusiasts: Its luxurious presentation and rich history make it an excellent choice for celebrating significant milestones or as a prestigious gift.
Fans of Smooth, Elegant Whiskies: Those who appreciate a well-rounded, smooth whisky with subtle complexities and a long finish will find the Chivas Royal Salute 21 years old particularly enjoyable.