Royal Salute unveils new 25 Years Old

Pernod Ricard has unveiled the latest addition to its Royal Salute permanent range — a 25 Years Old whisky, The Treasured Blend.

The launch took place ahead of the Pernod Ricard GTR panel discussion at TFWA Cannes.

The product is exclusively for airports and duty-free stores and will be available from November 2019.

It is the first 25-years-old expression in the Royal Salute portfolio and The Treasured Blend has been created by master blender Sandy Hyslop. The brand claims that it takes inspiration from the Crown Jewels of England.

The Treasured Blend follows the recent launch of The Malts Blend and The Lost Blend which joined The Signature Blend as permanent additions to the 21 Years Old portfolio in July 2019.

Royal Salute was initially created as a gift for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and has since been the partner for all ceremonial royal gun salutes fired at the Tower of London.

Master blender Sandy Hyslop says: "In a similar vein to the Tower of London, a British icon home to Crown Jewels that's very dear to our hearts, the Royal Salute vaults in Speyside protects a rare collection of some of our most precious casks. 

"It's these 'treasures' of exceptional whisky that have been patiently matured for more than 25 years and expertly crafted to make The Treasured Blend, an exceptional whisky with an unmatched depth of flavour that only time allows."

The Royal Salute Treasured Blend is contained within the iconic porcelain flagons the brand is famous for and is embellished with a gold detailing and sapphire jewelled stopper, said to be inspired by the stones set within the Imperial State Crown. Each flagon is numbered.

Secondary packaging features an illustration from Royal Salute collaborator and artist Kristjana S. Williams that is displayed when the doors are opened. It depicts the animals of the Royal Menagerie. It's a playful take on royal history and implies a new direction for Scotch whisky. 

Royal Salute marketing director, Mathieu Deslandes says: "The 25 Years Old Treature Blend continues Royal Salute's legacy of distinction for elegantly crafted Scotch whisky. This is a true treature to discover. Every detail is exquisite; from the precious and powerful liquid itself, to the beautifully crafted porcelain flagon and the luxurious material and intricate design.

"We're thrilled to continue our celebration of British Royalty with this exceptional new whisky that pays tribute to our esteemed heritage, while pushing the boundaries of cutting-edge Scotch whisky innovation."

Royal Salute 25 Years Old is available exclusively in GTR from November 2019 for a RRP of US$260. 

1 October 2019 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, editor