Pernod Ricard and the Royal Salute brand last night paid special tribute to a new era for the British monarchy with a sumptuous event in Westminster, London. It marked the launch of Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition, of which just 500 bottles are being released. As reported, travel retail will have a strong allocation of the US$25,000 per bottle expression across 20 markets.
Guests, including business partners such as Dufry and Lotte Duty Free, along with The Moodie Davitt Report and other media, took part in a memorable tour of Westminster Abbey before a magnificent Royal Salute dinner in the gardens of Westminster Hall.
Since it was first created as a gift for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her Coronation in 1953, Royal Salute has honoured the British Monarchy and marked significant milestones with expressions that represent moments in history.
As the Scotch originated as a Coronation gift 70 years ago, Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail said “there couldn’t be a more fitting moment for Royal Salute to pay homage once again”.
Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition was crafted by Royal Salute Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop.
Speaking last night, Hyslop described the event as “an amazing occasion”.
He added: “It is a real honour for me to be able to create this whisky to mark King Charles III’s coronation. We are perfectly placed at Royal Salute with our inventory of old casks.
“Back when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned, Royal Salute created its first Signature 21 Year Old blend to mark the occasion, 70 years ago. It is the only whisky in the world to be continuously available at a minimum of 21 years, since 1953.
“Looking forward to the impending coronation of King Charles III, we were excited in to make something very special to mark the momentous occasion. We took casks from our inventory stored around Scotland, and myself and my team made the blend in miniature using 53 whiskies for an amazing spectrum of flavours that are brought together here.
“We wanted something rich, sweet and that fits with the Royal Salute family of flavours. But we went a step further too, introducing a Spanish oloroso sherry butt, leaving it there for two years to add that top dressing of flavour, richness and spiciness.”
Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail Vice President of Marketing Liya Zhang told The Moodie Davitt Report: “This is a unique moment. Not many brands can celebrate 70 years in this way. Travel retail has proven its ability to create huge demand for the product with the story, the rarity, the collectability. Royal Salute has been a great success story and we are confident about the future.”
Speaking at a drinks reception at the Westminster Abbey cloisters, Royal Salute Marketing Director Mathieu Deslandes noted that the brand was created 70 years ago to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. “With the coronation of another monarch here on 6 May, it is natural for us to pay tribute here. We do so with a new blend but also a great whisky to mark the occasion.”
Westminster Abbey Sub-Dean David Stanton spoke to guests during the pre-dinner drinks in the Great Cloister, outlining the origins of regal coronations and their connections to the abbey itself.
As reported, the Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition is housed in a Dartington Crystal decanter, tinted in a deep sapphire blue hue, reminiscent of the precious stones set within the Imperial State Crown.
In keeping with Royal Salute’s signature style, the decanter is presented in a stylish wooden box inspired by Westminster Abbey, with details intricately chiselled into the wood, paying tribute to the historic setting of British Coronation ceremonies since 1066.
The jewels and crests of each country forming Great Britain were the inspiration for the artwork inside the gift box, symbolising the unity under the Crown and enduring solidarity between the nations.
The brand owner said the release builds on the strong success of a collection of unique and highly collectible items released into the market in recent times, such as last year’s Royal Salute Platinum Jubilee Edition. ✈
