Scotch

Review: Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute The Original Reserve

$3,000

OVERALL
RATING

7

Review: Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute The Original Reserve

Phil Dwyer samples the crowning jewel of Royal Salute, The Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute The Original Reserve. Does it live up to its reputation?
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Tasting Notes:

About:
The literal jewel in the crown of The Royal Salute range. The 62 Gun Salute is housed in a stunning sapphire blue decanter that represents the sapphires housed in the crown jewels. Comprised from 50 meticulously selected malt and grain whiskies across Scotland – this bottle is all about celebration, history, and elegance.
Appearance:
Oloroso Sherry
Nose:
All of the tropical fruits you could ever want to encounter. Loaded with pineapple, mango, and green apples, this liquid really pulls you deeper into the glass. There are some lovely oak notes that back up all of these fruity tones, adding a deeper and more 3D approach to very dominant Speyside malts that power this liquid. If you’re a fan of Scapa and Longmorn, you can really pick them out.
Palate:
More of those big fruity notes, but after the initial burst of sweetness you get these gentle waves of oak and old grain that push soft, drying flavours, but also back it up with buttery corn and depths of caramel and red fruits.
Finish:
Some bitter blood orange, ginger, Campari and Angostura butters that round everything off to be a very harmonious blended Scotch
Comments:
A blend that deserves attention from all blended whisky fans, especially if The Royal Salute range is something that you’ve paid attention to.

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 anniversaries.

Let’s explore some of the most frequently asked questions about the Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute The Original Reserve. The review of the 62 Gun Salute The American Oak Reserve will be available tomorrow.

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Who Should Buy This?

If you’re a blended whisky fan who isn’t necessarily a fan of all things smoky, Royal Salute as a whole is something you need to focus on.

With the depth and focus on premium, exclusive single malt whiskies, it feels as if blends have had to sit on the back foot again, despite their presence and historical importance, as well as sales dominance in the world market.

If you’re a drinker and, or a collector of all things whisky, or blends specifically – the design and history of the Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute The Original Reserve is something rather special, especially when you put the brand’s historical depth into context.

Whiskies Similar To This?

Johnnie Walker will always have some say in the game when it comes to premium blended whiskies, but this sizes up very well in terms of price when compared to the Johnnie Walker range. Some of the limited-release King George V releases do sit well next to this, some of them do focus strongly on peat or grain, but you get the full package of richness with this, without the sometimes unwanted elements of peated whisky.

Chivas Brothers does have the capacity to make/obtain peated whisky for their blends, but it isn’t their focus. For those of you who aren’t a fan of the smoke at any level – this stuff is for you. That is one of the joys of a brand like Royal Salute, if you’re not a fan of the smoky stuff then most of the time you don’t have to worry about coming across it here.

Final Thoughts On The Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute The Original Reserve

If you have the money to get ahold of this bottle and want something that can offer show-stopping craftsmanship, history, and blending craft that can put a lot of others to shame, then The 62 Gun Salute upgrade to The Royal Salute range is something you should seek out. Particularly if you’re a fan of super tropical fruit and gentle, drying oak.

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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