Scotch

Review: Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute The American Oak Reserve

$3,300

OVERALL
RATING

8

Review: Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute The American Oak Reserve

Phil Dwyer (Whisky Wednesday) samples The Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute The American Oak Reserve from the regal 62 Gun Salute collection.
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Tasting Notes:

About:
Housed in striking Ruby red flagon representative of the Black Prince’s Ruby set in the Imperial State Crown of England, The American Oak Reserve celebrates the grandeur and spectacle of the occasion. Comprised of 50 hand selected malts and grain whiskies from across the length and width of Scottish distilleries. Sharing similar qualities to the other lines in the 62 Gun Salute range, but with a stronger focus on long term ageing in ex-Amercian oak casks.
Appearance:
Very Old Bourbon
Nose:
Not as ‘bourbon’ driven as you might think. It still has a nice balance of sweet, spicy, soft, and gently oak driven. The top notes are all chamomile tea, elderflower cordial, and even as far as an Earl Gray Tea aroma, hibiscus, rose water, vanilla, and some caramel moving around the nose.
Palate:
A little more forward compared to the other bottles in the range. A very forward oak presence that presents itself as old wood, furniture polish, butter, brown sugar, butter icing, sponge cake,
Finish:
Malty biscuits, ginger, cardamom, more furniture polish notes, red vermouth, and some unexpected notes of juniper and cassia – these last two providing some drier but more fragrant elements to the finish. Also has some very welcoming hazlenut and pecan notes.
Comments:
If you’re not a fan of the standard releases sweeter, and more tropical notes – then this release is the one to focus on. With those warming tea notes, old wood, and slightly buttery notes, it sits in the realm of rich but with a movement away from very sweet.

The Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute Collection was unveiled in July 2024, with two new whiskies – The American Oak Reserve and The Peated Reserve – joining The Original Reserve in a regal lineup. Crafted in celebration of Royal Salute’s history, heritage, and connection to the British Royal Family, the 62 Gun Salute Collection is a liquid representation of the 62 Gun Salute ceremony, performed at The Tower of London on Royal occasions such as births, ascensions, coronations, and anniversaries.

Today, I am reviewing the The American Oak Reserve. To read The Original Reserve review click here. And make sure to come back tomorrow to see what I made of The Peated Reserve.

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The Best Ways To Enjoy The Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute The American Oak Reserve

You should always try something neat first, that’s probably the only rule that all of us should follow.

But, as with everything – you should drink this however you want it. Neat, ice, water, the world’s most ridiculous cocktail – go for it.

If you’re a fan of notes of tea, butter, and gentle nuttiness, then this liquid alone is a truly joyful experience of how blends can get deeper with earthier notes, without being peated or even having a slight trace of smoke kicking around.

Why Does This Bottle Standout?

The flavor of this liquid is something to relish for quite a long time, but when compared to a key competitor product in the Johnnie Walker Ruby Decanter, not only will this save you a fair bit of cash in comparison. However, the Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute The American Oak Reserve truly stands out with that stunning alchemy-esque decanter that just seems to pick up light from anywhere. The presentation also gives an additional nod to the brand’s history and origin.

Given the origins of Royal Salute, too, this collection has no shortage of worldwide attention – not that other blended whiskies do. However, a commemorative bottle for a huge royal institution with different influences (think The Original Reserve and The Peated Reserve) for a more affordable price than most of its premium rivals for liquids of the same ages and quality.

What Makes The Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute The American Oak Reserve A Standout For Collectors?

The stunning decanter and topper aside, this whisky also displays a slight shift in profile. The 21 Gun Salute is a ceremony deeply intertwined with Royal Salute’s history, fired from the Tower of London as a mark of respect for significant royal occasions. The 62 Gun Salute, however, is only witnessed at the birth, ascension, or coronation of the Sovereign. A truly remarkable spectacle and the ultimate gesture of honor.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer's passion for whisky is undeniable. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil manages The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curates an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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