Chivas Regal's Royal Salute is a prestigious range of blended Scotch whiskies, each aged for a minimum of 21 years. And now, they've added a new jewel to their crown: the 24-Year Old Cognac Cask Finish.

This cognac cask-finished expression is a first for Royal Salute. The whisky is described as having a rich and complex profile, with a delightful interplay of fruity, spicy, and toasty notes, meticulously crafted to resonate with Asian palates. To celebrate this momentous launch, Royal Salute has unveiled the "Enter A New Kingdom: Redefining Wonders" campaign in Singapore. This campaign not only showcases the brand’s innovative spirit but also provides an idyllic setting for whisky enthusiasts to savour this exceptional blend.

In a nod to the brand’s commitment to artistry and craftsmanship, Royal Salute has partnered with award-winning Singapore-born designer Gabriel Tan. The result of this collaboration is the “Continuum Lounge by Gabriel Tan,” a bespoke piece that will be proudly displayed at Singapore Design Week’s Design Futures Forum on 1 & 2 October 2024.

Queen Elizabeth Il leaving Buckingham Palace for her coronation at Westminster Abbey, London on June 2, 1953. (Source: Getty Images)

But let's delve deeper into the whisky itself. Royal Salute was originally created in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the 21-gun salute that marked the occasion. This new expression draws inspiration from her reign, a period defined by the modernisation of the British monarchy. The whisky is a harmonious blend of single malts sourced from the revered distilleries of Strathisla and Longmorn.

To craft this cognac cask finished expression, Chivas' Master Blender Sandy Hyslop selected high-quality first-fill French oak ex-cognac casks. The result is a 24-year-old whisky bottled at 40% ABV with an alluring nose of dark cherries, toasted oak, marzipan, rich caramelized figs, and peaches in syrup. On the palate, the cognac casks add layers of complexity, introducing notes of summer berry compote and apricot jam, complemented by a creamy caramel sweetness.

The bottle design itself is a testament to its exclusivity to the Asian market. The 24-Year Old Cognac Cask is presented in a limited-edition red flagon, a colour that symbolizes success, royalty, and auspiciousness in many Asian cultures. The packaging, designed with gifting and special occasions in mind, narrates the journey of Royal Salute from its birthplace at the Strathisla distillery to the iconic Tower of London, culminating in its arrival in the Far East. The illustrative elements on the packaging further enhance its appeal, featuring Asian garden motifs, pheasants and cranes (symbols of good luck), and oriental flowers like peonies, water lilies, and chrysanthemums, representing prosperity, joy, and the cyclical nature of life.

Pernod Ricard Singapore has teamed up with furniture designer Gabriel Tan to create the Continuum Lounge, a custom piece that embodies Royal Salute’s unwavering pursuit of excellence in both craft and design. Tan, renowned for his ability to redefine existing archetypes, draws inspiration from the way people interact within spaces, incorporating design elements like conversation pits and organic sofas into his creations.

The Continuum Lounge is a visually striking installation, rendered in a bold red hue with a smoked oak base and a solid brass-surfaced round table. It comfortably seats up to six people, inviting them to gather and share in the whisky experience. The modular sofa, composed of three upholstered botanical forms arranged in a swirl, encapsulates the essence of both whisky-making and appreciation.

This remarkable installation will be showcased exclusively at Singapore Design Week’s Design Futures Forum on 1 & 2 October 2024. Following the panel discussions, attendees will be invited into the Royal Salute reception area, where the Continuum Lounge will take centre stage against an interactive wall. Embedded iPads within the wall will share the brand story and provide insights into the whisky-making process. The Redefining Wonders Lounge will offer guests the opportunity to sample the 24-Year Old Cognac Cask Finish, with a brand ambassador on hand to guide their appreciation. Exclusive cocktails featuring the whisky will also be available.

For those eager to experience this exceptional whisky, the Royal Salute 24-Year Old Cognac Cask is now available in Singapore at select retailers, including FairPrice Finest (Clarke Quay and Centrepoint). You can also find it at various dine and drink venues like Paradise Group outlets and HighHouse. If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, the bottle is available for purchase on official Pernod Ricard stores on Shopee and Lazada, as well as their VIP platform Le Cercle. The retail price for the Royal Salute 24-Year Old Cognac Cask Finish is S$350.

Official Tasting Notes

Let's raise a glass and toast to this remarkable new expression from Royal Salute!

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team