Scents of the Spirit
During a global launch event in Seoul, Korea, the ‘King of Whisky’ Royal Salute showcased a trio of its latest offerings—all of which are further accentuated by the brand’s creative advisor, Barnabé Fillion
Refreshing its signature 21 Year Old whisky and adding two distinct blends, Royal Salute hosted a two-day celebration for exclusive guests
Not too long ago, Malaysia Tatler was invited to witness the rebirth of an exclusive and renowned brand. Referred to as the ‘king of whisky,’ Royal Salute likely got that moniker due to its origin story. Initially grafted as a gift for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the brand is steeped in royalty, and extremely proud of its illustrious 66-year-old history.
However, the brand had to keep up with the times, and deliver more to demanding consumers, as the world of whisky is everevolving. And that is exactly what Chivas Brothers has done; injecting a new sense of excitement into the well-known label.
Thus, friends of the brand and media personalities were brought together to toast the all-new look for its signature 21 Year Old Scotch whisky, plus two new distinct blends.
We were privy to the global launch, which took place in Korea. Why would a Scottish label choose to tell the world about its latest release(s) in an Asian country? Well for one, the total sales for duty free and non-exempt bottles were highest in the Korean market. Needless to say, Asians truly appreciate their whiskies.
The two-day event saw guests flying in from all over the world, as far as South America, to be part of a dinner showcase, and what is termed the Olfactory Studio session.
THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Such an occasion would most definitely mean that most of the brand’s top guns were in attendance. Among those we got to mingle with were Sandy Hyslop, Royal Salute’s master blender, as well as the brand’s marketing director, Mathieu Deslandes, over welcome drinks, almost as soon as we had arrived in Korea.
Undeniably though, the star of the show were the three variations of Royal Salute that were about to be unveiled. However, upon arrival, we were merely told of the newer offerings. Unable to yet taste what is in store, we were placated with the brand’s Signature 21 Year Old—we obviously couldn’t complain—and the well of information that poured out from both Sandy and Mathieu.
“We’re not just a maker of bottles,” an animated Mathieu remarked about how previously, Royal Salute had a few colour variations to its packaging, but essentially held the same liquid. Thus the need for innovation, and the reason we were all here.
The new era of products sees each colour containing a distinct version of the spirit, all aged for 21 years still. It’s an unusually high number to begin with, as most whiskies start with an age statement of 12 years, but then again, Royal Salute isn’t your average whisky.
“We’re not just a maker of bottles”
COLOUR CODED
Over dinner, we’re finally introduced to all three variations of the premium whisky. The flagship 21 Year Old Signature Blend, in blue, showcases a contemporary take on its rich history with a colourful, enchanting depiction of the British Royal Menagerie that pays tribute to the brand’s royal heritage. Created in collaboration with esteemed fine artist Kristjana S Williams, the new packaging features a striking illustration that is part of a complete transformation for Royal Salute and a visual embodiment of the colourful, fantastical new direction the Scotch whisky is taking.
Then there’s the Malts Blend in green. The Malts Blend is crafted with more than 21 precious single malts aged for a minimum of 21 years from the five whisky regions of Scotland. Working in harmony, each of the flavours combine to create a symphonic-like performance for the senses. The result is an indulgent and profound Scotch whisky bursting with notes of orchard fruits and enriched by subtle spices.
The Lost Blend, in black, is the first permanent peated spirit that is meticulously crafted to include scarce and exceptional whiskies from distilleries no longer in production.
The Lost Blend however, stays true to its name, and is ‘lost’ in the market, made available exclusively at the duty free section of international airports.
THE NOSE KNOWS
The second day of activities saw a tour around Korea, with a local tour guide, who was insightful and filled us in with plenty of little known facts abou about the country and
“For me, whisky is a liquid to discover with the nose”
locations we visited, like the royal palace.
Then came evening, which was yet another occasion we waited for in anticipation—another chance for us to get a taste of the premium flavours of the fantastic Royal Salute trio.
Enter Barnabé Fillion, the creative advisor for Royal Salute. Since September 2015, he has been collaborating as a friend to the Royal Salute house, bringing his olfactory artistic acumen to work closely with the experienced master blending team on new products and experimental blending techniques—like those produced here.
He is in charge of conducting the Olfactory Studio session. The experience starts with nosing each of the three spirits, then taking a whiff of perfume cards spritzed with the notes Barnabé has picked from the drink. We then add water to the whisky using a pipette to release its “fragrance.”
“What I try to do is create an experience around drinking whisky,” says Barnabé. “By introducing a perfume that has a dominant smell from the whisky, I help trigger your olfactory sense. So the next time you take a sip, the notes will come to mind immediately.” It’s like training one’s sense of smell, he explains, affirming its significance in truly appreciating a drink.
The process extends to touch, to help build a robust memory around the drink. Barnabé uses items like scented ceramics, gadgets and the like, which draw parallels to, or contrast with the drink, thus lending a tangibility to flavour, smell and taste.
“For me, whisky is a liquid to discover with the nose. It’s much like a perfume; it’s the magic alchemy of time and elements that create such a complex beauty. And it is a privilege to be part of such a momentous time in the history of Royal Salute, and I’m very proud to add a sensory experience to these exceptional new expressions,” Barnabé proudly concludes at the end.