Royal Salute Launches 21 Year Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition

The limited-edition Royal Salute 21 Year Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition pays homage to the South American city known for its passionate polo heritage.
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Credit: Royal Salute

Royal Salute has unveiled the seventh release in its celebrated Polo Collection, bringing the vibrant spirit of Brazilian polo culture to whisky enthusiasts worldwide. The limited-edition Royal Salute 21 Year Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition pays homage to the South American city known for its passionate polo heritage.

Brazilian Polo Heritage Meets Scotch Tradition

The new expression celebrates Rio de Janeiro’s status as Brazil’s polo capital, where the sport thrives with distinctive flair amid the fields of Helvetia and the energetic backdrop of the city. This release continues Royal Salute’s long-standing connection with polo, a relationship built on shared values of skill, honor, and grace.

Master Blender Sandy Hyslop crafted the 21 Year Old blended malt to reflect Rio’s dynamic culture through its flavor profile. The whisky features precious spirits from Braeval Distillery matured in first-fill casks, delivering floral and grassy notes that echo Rio’s lush landscapes.

“Coming alive with the creamy sweetness of vanilla and coconut, the fruity notes in this blended malt whisky are like an intricate dance – much like the Bossa Nova performed on a warm Brazilian evening,” said Hyslop. “To make a blend as special as its inspiration, we incorporated Braeval whisky matured in first-fill casks. This has not only allowed us to give it a new dimension, but it also resulted in a taste experience as captivating and multi-layered as Rio itself, a true representation of the city’s irresistible charm.”

Packaging Inspired by Rio’s Natural Beauty

The expression comes in a vibrant green flagon that reflects Rio’s lush surroundings, accented with gold details that reference the Brazilian flag. The presentation box showcases the city’s dramatic urban skyline contrasted against its natural surroundings.

Credit: Royal Salute

Royal Salute World Polo Ambassador Malcolm Borwick shared his enthusiasm for the release, noting, “The popularity of polo in Brazil is at an all-time high, which along with the stunning landscapes and dynamic energy, is somewhere I’ve always really loved to play and spend time. The city’s cultural energy is electric, and so it’s a fitting destination to honor within the Royal Salute Polo Collection. I look forward to savouring this new blend after my next polo match there.”

Buy Royal Salute 21 Year Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition 

The whisky’s flavor profile combines American Oak-matured whiskies that contribute sweet vanilla and coconut notes, working alongside the Braeval components to create what the brand describes as a “superbly smooth” experience.

Available globally at specialist retailers beginning April 1, 2025, the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition carries an MSRP of $190 USD and will be released in limited quantities.

The Whiskey Wash Team

The Whiskey Wash Team brings together certified spirits specialists, industry experts, and passionate whiskey writers delivering authoritative coverage of the global whiskey landscape. With deep expertise in bourbon, Scotch, Japanese whisky, and emerging world expressions, the team combines technical knowledge with engaging storytelling. Through news, reviews, and in-depth features, we help both newcomers and connoisseurs navigate the complex world of whiskey, sharing the heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship that makes each bottle unique. Our mission is to inform, educate, and build community through trustworthy, accessible content that serves whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.

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