21 years of pure whisky joy

In the most pure sense of the word, anything that comes to .Cent magazine that mentions the word ‘creativity’ catches our attention. When we heard news of a creative council, having been put together for the Whisky brand Royal Salute, of course, we had to find out more. So below, see for yourself more about the Royal Salute Creative Circle; those involved and about the Brand itself, one of the purest whiskies available to true lovers, and we would go so far as to say a leader in its field.

The world of whisky has in the last few years seemingly woken you to the idea that drinking it is not just for those over 50 that belong to exclusive gentlemen’s clubs but a beverage that can be enjoyed by all in a variety of ways. With vodkas and gins having no problem making all the headlines, this most traditional of alcohols is having a real resurgence; many brands looking at ways to include it in cocktails whilst also launching aged blended whisky 12 to 18 years old (it takes a real master blender to be able to do this). However, the (Scottish) British brand Royal Salute has truly always lead the way. This brand only sells whiskies that start at 21 years old and so are a rich aged drink to savour or should you so wish (with a very good recipe only – see below) be drunk alongside (mixed into) a cocktail.

Royal Salute started their exclusive journey in the field of Scotch whisky in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II The unique goal of the brand was to make a selection of whiskies that start their drinking life at 21 years (we all know that in order for a whisky to be legally called a whisky – or whiskey if Irish – it needs to have been matured for at least three years) so then to start a whisky at 21 years is a truly unique feat.

The Royal Salute 21 is a rich deep whisky aged and refined in oak casks, then bottled in handcrafted porcelain flagons, wrapped in its own fabric and leather bag before resting in a decorative box. It’s quite a presentation and of course a totally unique way to store the blend. As for that unusual name? Well that comes from the 21 Gun Royal Salute, fired only as a mark of respect for dignitaries and royalty.

The film below, created by .Cent, gives an insight of the coming together for the most unusual of collaborators between Vadim Grigorian, Royal Salute Global Brand Director, fashion and art photographer Michelangelo Di Battista, internationally renowned perfumer Barnabé Fillion. From the tone of the film the team must have had a lot of fun collaborating, which after all is what creativity is all about.

This is a first in the world of whisky, as it’s a creative circle, to explore then brand in a 360 degree means. Hear directly from them about their work and inspiration; some surreal stimulations via the English aristocracy, obscure alchemy books and historical British literary salons!

Lastly we would highly recommended drinking the The Lady’s Companion, the cocktail created to accompany Royal Salute 21 which encompasses the flavours that complement the whisky. Mixed especially for Royal Salute by Rob McHardy (who renowned skills managed the legendary director David Lynch’s Parisian cultural hub, Silencio!). Feeling like being a brave creative yourself? Why not try the recipe below so you too can create a Royal Salute Lady’s Companion cocktail to sit alongside a straight glass in its purest form of this amber delight. Should you decide to give it ago..of course we SALUTE you!

Chestnut liquor, toasted barley water with lapsang Souchong syrup and smoked sage.

The Lady’s Companion:-

• Lapsang Souchong Tea Syrup (1cl)

• Homemade Chestnut Liqueur (2cl)

• Toasted Barley Water (3cl)

• Inocente Fino Sherry (5cl)

• 0.1% Bourbon Geranium Solution (3 drops)