Royal Salute is famous for offering a range of blended Scotch whiskies with 21 years old as the youngest in its age range. A vast array of special editions of Royal Salute with all manner of inspirations and finishing treatments have hit the market over the years — and all are a minimum of 21 years of age.

The latest to enter that lineup is this, Royal Salute 21 Years Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition. Royal Salute has an “enduring affinity” with polo, so we’re told, and Rio is the world capital of the sport. Note that there are at least three other Polo Editions of Royal Salute on the market.

As a tribute to this emblematic location, Royal Salute’s Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, expertly crafted the bespoke 21 Year Old Blended Malt whisky with a rich, fruity flavor that echoes Rio’s famously dynamic culture. A portion of this complex blend includes precious whiskies from Braeval Distillery matured in first-fill casks, offering fresh floral and grassy notes, reminiscent of Rio’s lush green landscape. Working harmoniously with other malt whiskies aged in American Oak casks, which bring sweet and creamy vanilla and coconut notes, the resulting blend is superbly smooth.

If you were expecting a whisky finished in rum or cachaca casks, well, surprise! This is all aged in ex-bourbon casks; only the selection of whiskies used in the blend appears to be in play.

Ready to get into a chukka? Here’s a review.

Royal Salute 21 Years Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition Review

Those familiar with Royal Salute’s house style — soft, quiet, floral, and creamy — will find this a familiar dram, beginning with a gentle nose that layers on vanilla, cinnamon syrup, and overripe banana. Unctuous coconut cream extends the tropical vibe. I may very well associate this with Rio de Janeiro — though not perhaps something that evokes a polo match.

Enduringly soft and rounded as the whisky develops on the palate, a quick bolt of citrus is the only major interruption to the theme of coconut, banana, and vanilla that dominates — with some chewy, toasty malt notes creeping in later in the game. The iconic graham cracker notes of many other Royal Salute expressions I’ve encountered is unavoidable, culminating in a finish that meanders back to vanilla, marzipan, brown butter, and more coconut.

It’s eminently drinkable, though also quite familiar; it doesn’t exactly shake up expectations for this storied brand.

80 proof.

A- / $250/ royalsalute.com

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