THE SWEET SCENT OF HISTORY
Royal Salute hosts an exquisite Olfactory Studio experience
ROYAL SALUTE hosts an exquisite Olfactory Studio experience, merging the world of perfumery with some of the rarest and most precious whiskies ever made, writes richard augustin
It goes without saying that the world as we know it has since been transformed due to Covid-19. The “new normal,” a term all of us are now increasingly familiar with, has virtually changed the way we go about our daily lives and interact with one another. However as much as things may have changed in recent months, some things have fortunately remained the same. Just like the assured taste and quality of Royal Salute whiskies.
With social distancing in force and borders across the world still shut, the premiere Scotch whisky brand still found a novel way to introduce its latest range in an exclusive showcase for guests here in Malaysia. Held at the historic Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, better known as the Blue Mansion, in Penang, the Royal Salute Olfactory Studio experience was held in honour of the release of the “king of whisky’s” ultra-rare, limited edition, The Time Series 52-Year-Old Single Cask Finish Scotch. A TASTE OF PRESTIGE & HISTORY
Like most Royal Salute events, the specially curated programme also included several curated experiences for the media and friends of the brand that were not limited to just Scotch whiskies. It included, amongst others, a thrilling drive from Kuala Lumpur to Penang in several beautiful MercedesBenz cars, a stay and a historic walk through the iconic Blue Mansion in Penang as well as an introduction to the sport of polo, conducted by Dato’ Chevy Beh, the founder of BookDoc and who plays for the family-owned BP Polo Club.
The experiential activities undoubtedly complemented each brand well. For starters, the drive served as an opportunity to match three iconic luxury brands together. To coin a phrase, Royal Salute, Mercedes-Benz and Cycle & Carriage have understandably been aged to perfection and over the years have garnered a respectable amount of recognition and following amongst consumers.
Then there is the synonymous tie-in with history, which is represented in true magnificent form with the Cheong Fatt
Tze Mansion. The restored heritage building in Georgetown not only boasts a colourful history but also an unmatched presence, which has made it the subject of numerous accolades over the years. Its striking façade and atmosphere has also made the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion a perfect backdrop and location for films over the years including the 1993 Oscar-winning French film Indochine starring Catherine Deneuve and 2018’s box-office hit, CrazyRichAsians.
In the case of polo, Royal Salute has celebrated the sport of kings for many years, which is understandable considering they both share values of luxury, tradition and prestige. The brand sponsors more than 15 international tournaments from the UK and the USA through Argentina and China to South Korea. Royal Salute has also released several 21 Year Old Polo Edition bottles over the years to commemorate that association.
SIPS & SCENTS
Interestingly, despite being steeped in tradition and history, Royal Salute has continuously kept engaged in the modern world by constantly pushing the art of blending into new, creative and ambitious forms. The Royal Salute Olfactory Studio is proof of that forward thinking approach, which has ensured the brand remains at the very top of the whisky world.
Introduced just over a year ago, the brand’s Olfactory Studio has enthralled guests and Scotch whisky aficionados across the world by introducing the parallels the art of blending has with the world of perfumery. In a nutshell, it offers a new perspective on how we as consumers “nose” a whisky in a truly different way.
Designed and developed by world-renowned perfumer and Royal Salute creative advisor Barnabé Fillion, the Royal Salute Olfactory Studio demonstrates how the magic of ingredients and the art of blending brings out beauty and complexity in cuisine, perfumery, and in Royal Salute’s distinguished whiskies. In a special recorded video message, Fillion explained that the Royal Salute Olfactory Studio was created specifically to enhance the tasting experience through sensorial stimulation.
“Perfumery and whisky are intimately entwined as our olfactory sense provides around 95% of our total sense of flavour,” he added. “Through this experience, we wanted to take guests on a unique tasting experience to help better understand the beauty and craft behind the art of blending.”
In essence, the Olfactory Studio aims to inspire Scotch enthusiasts with enchanting new ways to enjoy Royal Salute’s exceptionally aged collection of Scotch whiskies, including The Signature, The Malts and The Lost Blend. It is also intended to showcase each respective blend’s unique and distinctive characteristics.
ELEVATING THE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Scotch whisky ambassador Japser Epsom took guests on this multi-sensory journey, showcasing the complexity and contrasts of Royal Salute’s distinctive blends through the lens of fragrances created especially by Fillion.
Each of the three blends served throughout the night was complemented by matching perfumes meticulously created to pair perfectly with Royal Salute’s whiskies. The sampling of whiskies as well as complementing scents was also enjoyed over a sumptuous three-course meal put together by the chefs of Indigo, Cheong Fatt Tze’s fine dining restaurant.
Walking guests through the complexities as well as unique attributes of each blend, Epsom retold the story of Royal Salute, which was created in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. Aged for a minimum of 21 years, the Scotch whisky was named for the tradition of the 21 Gun Salute that is fired at the Tower of London for Royal celebrations.
Fittingly, The Signature Blend kick started the festivities of the night. Sophisticated and opulent in character, a direct result no doubt of the selection of rare and exceptional Scotch whiskies – including those carefully watched over at the Royal Salute Vault – used in making this perfect blend. A sip unveils a kaleidoscope of deep fruity flavours with just the right amount of smokiness and spice that collectively delivers a powerful and remarkable experience.
The Malts Blend served as a perfect follow-up, with its sweet and rich notes. The 21 Year Old Malts Blend is truly unique for a number of reasons, especially as it stands as the first blended malt from Royal Salute. An extraordinary whisky, it was crafted with more than 21 precious single malts from the five regions of Scotland, each matured for a minimum of 21 years. The result is an indulgent and profound Scotch whisky bursting with notes of orchard fruits, enriched by subtle spices.
Capping off the tasting experience was The Lost Blend, a remarkably special and highly-coveted Scotch whisky. Meticulously crafted from scarce whiskies from distilleries no longer in production together with a selection of exceptional malt and grain Scotch whiskies, The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Lost Blend is a truly rare expression that will please aficionados. The tasting notes of this sublime blend include juicy sweet pears, fresh hazelnuts, charred orange rind rounded out with an aromatic smoky peaty finish.
A clear personal favourite of many, including us, The Lost Blend served as a perfect ending to the Olfactory Studio experience. But the event was clearly not done for the guests in attendance. With free flowing Royal Salute along with special-made cocktails prepared at the open bar, the night continued on with revelry and fun-filled exchange and conversations. A celebration of sorts if you will, fuelled by the ultimate blended Scotch whisky. For further information on Royal Salute, check out all upcoming Olfactory Studio events, www.royalsalute.com. For details of all upcoming Olfactory Studio events, please enquire with Trisha Kuck, prestige PR manager of Pernod at Pernod Ricard Malaysia at trisha.kuck@pernod-ricard.com