This is part of the prestigious Royal Salute range, which represents Chivas Regal's ultra-premium tier, aged for a minimum of 21 years compared to their standard 12-year expressions. The extended maturation allows for deeper complexity and smoother integration of flavours. Royal Salute was originally created in 1953 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, making it a tribute blend that showcases the finest aged whiskies from across Scotland's regions.

This appears to be the Peated Edition, which incorporates peated Caperdonich malt alongside Imperial malt to create a unique smoky profile. Peating involves drying malted barley over peat fires, which imparts distinctive earthy, medicinal, and smoky notes typically associated with Islay whiskies. By blending peated single malts with unpeated grain and malt whiskies, Master Blender Sandy Hyslop has created a harmonious balance where the smoke enhances rather than overwhelms the rich fruit and spice characteristics.

The World Whiskies Awards is one of the most respected international whisky competitions, judged by industry experts, master blenders, and whisky writers. A Gold Medal with a 90-point score indicates exceptional quality and places this expression among the top tier of premium whiskies globally. This recognition validates the craftsmanship involved in creating a complex 21-year-old blend that successfully balances peated and unpeated elements while maintaining the signature Royal Salute elegance.

Given its full-bodied nature and 21-year maturation, this whisky is best enjoyed neat or with just a few drops of water to open up the aromatics. The peated elements will be most pronounced when served at room temperature in a tulip-shaped glass, allowing the smoky notes to integrate with the rich fruit and spice characteristics. Adding ice will mute some of the subtle complexities developed over two decades of ageing, though a single large cube can work if you prefer a slightly chilled dram.

The smoky character pairs beautifully with grilled or barbecued meats, particularly lamb or beef with herb crusts that echo the whisky's spice notes. Rich, aged cheeses like mature cheddar or blue cheese create an excellent contrast to the peated elements while complementing the toffee sweetness. Dark chocolate desserts or cigars with earthy undertones also work well, as they share similar flavour compounds that enhance rather than compete with the whisky's complex profile.