Royal Salute, a beacon of distinction in the whisky world, proudly presents its first-ever cognac cask finish blend. This 24-year-old masterpiece is a harmonious blend of Scotch single malts, carefully selected from the esteemed Strathisla and Longmorn distilleries and matured for 24 years in first-fill French oak cognac casks. It is a creation reserved exclusively for discerning Asian palates.
To the uninitiated, the ongoing debate between cognac and whisky is one of subtle yet significant contrasts. Though both spirits share the same golden hue, their origins and production processes diverge entirely: cognac is crafted from grapes, while whisky is born from grains, each undergoing a distinct method of distillation that defines their unique characteristics.
Cognac is typically described as smooth, fruity, and floral due to its grape base, while whisky flavours are generally richer, bolder, and more complex, with hints of spice, wood, or smoke.
With the Royal Salute 24 Year Old Cognac Cask Finish, one could say the distillery has captured the best of both worlds in one powerful expression. Master blender Sandy Hyslop has painstakingly nurtured these exceptional casks, patiently awaiting the perfect moment to unveil the distinct character that brings this extraordinary blend to life.
The whisky reveals an aromatic symphony of dark cherries and toasted oak, followed by sweet notes of marzipan, caramelised figs, and peaches in syrup. Its fruit-forward profile, hinting at apricots, summer berries, honey blossom, and creamy caramel, speaks to the influence of the cognac cask maturation. A delicate touch of nutmeg rounds out its long, rich finish.
This elegant blend is housed in a limited-edition flagon glazed in a striking red hue—a symbol of success, royalty, and auspiciousness. Designed to be a precious gift, the packaging narrates the whisky’s journey from the Strathisla distillery in Scotland to the Tower of London, and finally to the Far East Further adorned with auspicious symbols, such as pheasants, cranes, peonies, water lilies, and chrysanthemums, it stands as a refined token of celebration and prestige.
To mark the launch of this exceptional blend, Royal Salute has partnered with award-winning Singapore-born designer Gabriel Tan for a unique collaboration. Titled Continuum Lounge by Gabriel Tan, the piece debuted at the Singapore Design Week’s Design Futures Forum on 1 October.
“There’s a sentimental connection, as Royal Salute was my late father’s favourite whisky, which made me excited about the possibilities,” says Tan. “Personally, the ideal setting for enjoying whisky is an intimate space, conducive to conversations with good company.”
Inspired by how people interact in spaces, Tan drew from design elements like conversation pits and organic sofas. Part spatial installation, part furniture, the bold red lounge features a smoked oak base and a solid brass round table, seating up to six.
The modular sofa, with its botanical-inspired forms, swirls in a design that mirrors both the whisky-making process and the communal experience of its appreciation—best enjoyed in meaningful company.
“In the same spirit of redefining existing archetypes, I wanted to break down the notion of what furniture can be, hence the enveloping design with the focal point of whisky appreciation as a shared ritual,” says Tan.
Retailing at $350, the bottle is available in Singapore at FairPrice Finest (Clarke Quay and Centrepoint), Paradise Group outlets, HighHouse, and online via Pernod Ricard’s Shopee and Lazada official stores, and VIP platform Le Cercle.
Find out more here.
