Here’s the last in a series of very expensive whiskies I’ve been reviewing lately. At least these whiskies taste good. It would be a real bummer to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a whisky and then not like it.
This Royal Salute is finally getting into circulation here in the U.S., with only 600 allocated.
Royal Salute “Stone of Destiny”, 38 year old, 40%, $600
The last new Chivas release was the 25 year old several years back. To be honest, I didn’t like it as much as Chivas 18 year old. Those extra years contributed an additional dry, oak influence which I felt was a bit too dominant—especially on the finish. So you can imagine my concerns before tasting this 38 year old whisky. But this new Royal Salute has something to balance the dry oak that the 25 year old didn’t—lush, rich, sweet sherry notes.
It’s quite fruity, with toffee apple, date nut cake, fig, molasses, and golden raisin up front, evolving to dried fruit, pencil shavings, tobacco, and polished leather, with subtle cinnamon and cocoa on the finish. My favorite of the entire Chivas line is the 18 year old (which I rated a 95) for its impeccable balance, but this is still a very impressive whisky!
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 93
Jeez, John! You almost sound weary (and certainly apologetic) about reviewing whiskies where the cheapest is “merely” $600! Count your blessings and know that despite the grousing from some of us, you are performing a valuable (and enviable) service to all whisky drinkers, even those of us who will never taste (or even SEE) these gems.
Carry on!
600 bucks and they skimp on the bottle. look up the “chivas effect” – we’re speaking of a company that lead to a meaning that pricing something higher will make people think something is better than what it is.
sam is correct, when 600 for a bottle is “cheap” (relatively speaking), to quote scooby do, “roh ro!” (yeah, i’ve had a few drams of the “dirt cheap” but more highly rated george t stagg tonight). LOL
It’s still nice to see your review, despite my own grousing about these high priced drams. I have to say, “stone of destiny” seems a big ridiculous as a name. I am sure its supposed to sound haughty; however, has a real D&D meets Harry potter feel to it. Unless this bottle gives me magic powers, it has a silly name.
Brian47126
So I may not be able to afford it and I can’t be so sure I’d buy it even if I could. But I do have to say, that’s a fun looking bottle.
Neil, the bottle is pretty cool looking, that’s for sure. Whisky is very good too. $600 is a big splurge, though…