The story of Royal Salute is one that is synonymous with the lineage of British Royalty. The unveiling of the 62 Gun Salute Collection has been accompanied by the opening of the Royal Salute Chamber. And it is extraordinary.
The Royal Salute Chamber is located within the 13th-century Martin Tower at the historic Tower of London. The Martin Tower was originally named the Jewel Tower and was constructed as part of the king’s expansion of the Tower of London in the 1230s. Originally it was built to store the Crown Jewels among other Royal treasures. Now, it houses a new treasure, and offers an exclusive, invitation-only experience where guests can indulge in Royal Salute’s luxury portfolio in unparalleled style. A tasting in this prestigious setting allows you to savour some of the rarest expressions, right in the heart of British Royal tradition.
Crafted in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces, the Royal Salute Chamber is remarkable and oozes luxurious detail. It is thoughtfully designed to fuse the senses into a single harmonious experience. Soft, warm lighting bathes the room. The walls are adorned with intricate illustrations of the royal menagerie. Gentle music drifts through the air, mingling with the subtle sounds of drinks being poured, and every surface, from the bar to the tasting table, invites touch with its carefully crafted textures. The Royal Salute Chamber is aptly described as the ultimate sensorium. With elegant design, delicate florals, opulent cabinets, and the ‘Treasures Collection’ whisky library, it’s really beautiful. The centre stage is the sophisticated and mesmerising immersive tasting table. It is fair to say that guests will experience Royal Salute expressions here like never before.
With these fine details referencing the Towers’ rich history, the craftsmanship is also reflected in the passion and the purpose that goes into each bottle of Royal Salute’s collections. Sandy Hyslop, Master Blender, invites you to take to the nose his noble creations. For those who have been fortunate to meet Sandy, it is instantly notable that in the warmth of his charming smile, there is a playfulness alongside his depth of kindness. His stories stir you as he unfolds the details of tales on his journey and time at Royal Salute. It’s remarkable. Clear is the deep respect held for the master blenders who came before him, those who laid the foundations of this wonderful craft. His journey began by blending with their carefully selected stock, each bottle ultimately becoming a testament to the legacy of those who perfected the art before him. But now, it is Sandy’s golden era.
Now Sandy is blending from his own selections and creations. Once learning of the significance and prestige of this journey, it becomes apparent that you are savouring a piece of living history. One that has been crafted with the utmost care in tribute to the highest ceremonial honour in British royal tradition. You are getting to taste whiskys that have been the work of a collective, those that have matured under Sandy’s watchful eye.
Of the most memorable moments is being invited to enjoy this tasting as an experience of your own personal exploration. You are reminded that flavour is, after all, a deeply unique experience, shaped by your own memories and palate. The purpose of being in the Royal Salute Chamber to enjoy this whisky, is to invite you to immerse yourself fully in your own experience. It is an opportunity to reflect on your own memories, with your loved ones, informed by your history. A tasting has never been more welcoming, meaningful and evident of personal investment. Sandy and his team embody this. Their pride and commitment to the continuation of a legacy is paramount. It is special to now experience this prestigious iconic whisky in a place that it can most certainly call home.
This is a celebration of heritage, and a tribute to the incredible commitment that has brought this whisky to life. Savouring the final notes, savouring what is a tradition that stretches back to 1953. The Royal Salute Chamber provides the most fitting place to take a moment to appreciate the artistry and immerse yourself in a good dose of wonderful history. As you take another sip, the shared experience becomes clear. Royal Salute have crafted something truly extraordinary in a place that is a tribute to the past, a celebration of the present, and a promise of the future. You will remember who you get to share this moment with.
Royal Salute welcomes guests to its new home at the Tower of London, by invitation only. The experience includes a private tour of the famed Crown Jewels, a sensory exploration of bespoke fragrances created by Master Perfumer, Barnabé Fillion, inspired by the Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute. Collection, a comparative and interactive tasting of the new 62 Gun Salute Collection, and access to the Royal Salute ‘Treasures Collection’.
