New Royal Salute Polo Estancia Edition Sports Malbec Cask Finish

Chivas Brothers recently announced the launch of its next release in its annual Royal Salute Polo Collection, the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Estancia Edition (40% ABV).

A blended Scotch whisky finished in Malbec wine casks from Argentina, the new release was created by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, who married the brand’s signature house style with a contemporary finish allowing for a fruity blend, delivering notes of raspberry, blackberry compote, spiced cinnamon, plum jam and dark chocolate ginger sweets, according to the official tasting notes.

“For this unique expression we were able to perfectly integrate the robust and highly recognizable flavors of Malbec wine casks with our delicate 21-Year-Old whiskies – a task that requires constant care and attention,” Director of Blending and Inventory Sandy Hyslop said in a prepared statement. “The Polo Estancia Edition is an exceptional blend resulting from this bold marriage where only the finest Malbec wine casks from exclusive Argentinian terroirs were used for final maturation. Incorporating a Malbec wine finish has not only allowed us to give the blend a new dimension, it also helps to tell the story of Argentina’s polo lifestyle in a multi-faceted way.”

The use of the Argentinean wine casks allows for the distillery to pay homage to the country known as the ‘home of polo.’ While polo wasn’t necessarily born in Argentina, today the country is universally recognized as the mecca of the sport, home to the world’s most famous players and Estancias.

Joining the Snow Polo Edition (46.5% ABV), the first blended grain whisky in the Royal Salute profile, Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Estancia Edition will be available later this month from specialist retailers for a retail price of $150. Official tasting notes can be found below.

• NOSE – Rich and fruity overlaid with notes of raspberries and blackberries, reminiscent of a luxurious berry compote with a hint of sweet licorice.
• PALATE – Rich and sweet with wonderful spicy cinnamon notes followed by plum jam and indulgent dark chocolate ginger sweets.
• FINISH – Long and sweet with a slightly dry crescendo.