Pernod Ricard-owned Royal Salute has released a 53-year-old whisky as the first expression in a new collection, called The Art of Wonder. The new Royal Salute Forces of Nature by Kate MccGwire is the first bottling to be released from the brand’s new Art of Wonder range.
The collection will be created in collaboration with artists, with British sculptor Kate MccGwire becoming the first to partner on the new line. MccGwire, who specialises in the use of feathers, created a ‘one-of-a-kind’ piece to accompany the new 53-year-old whisky from the brand.
The 53-year-old whisky is one of the highest age statements to be released by the brand. It alludes to the year 1953, when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned and Royal Salute was established. The liquid offers a ‘rich and fruity’ nose, with notes of berries, candied walnuts, and sweet toasted oak, followed by a ‘long, rich and slightly dry’ finish.
Royal Salute master blender Sandy Hyslop said: “For the first volume from the Art of Wonder collection, I wanted to create an outstanding expression that reflected Royal Salute’s desire to push individual craft beyond expectation.
“This is a thrilling moment, and it’s been a privilege to blend such rare and precious whiskies at the pinnacle of what is achievable with delicate high-aged stock laid down by my predecessors.”
There are 21 decanters of the whisky available, created by Dartington Crystal. Each decanter is engraved with intricate feathers and gilded in 24-carat gold leaf, with curves inspired by MccGwire’s sculptures. Furthermore, each decanter is accompanied by one of 21 pieces of art, called Paragon, created by MccGwire using sustainably sourced pheasant feathers. The whisky and artwork are presented in a hand-crafted wooden cabinet, accompanied by an art book detailing the collaboration between Royal Salute and the British sculptor.
The product will make its debut at the inaugural World of Wines and Spirits (WOWS) event at Changi Airport. Royal Salute. The exclusive set will be displayed from mid-November at the Royal Salute pop-up boutique in Changi Airport’s Terminal 3.
