Dining

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Edition adds Pedro Ximénez finish for a taste of the Middle East

Royal Salute Polo_Desert_Jewel_Bottle

Royal Salute is looking to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the eighth release in its Polo Collection, a 21 year old blended Scotch whisky finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.

The limited-quantity release is a bespoke blend of Scotch whiskies aged for at least 21 years, created by Royal Salute Master Blender Emeritus Sandy Hyslop. The blend receives a full finish in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, bringing a rich, sweet and aromatic character to the whisky.

The profile draws on the sweet fruits and spices associated with Middle Eastern cuisine, with red fruits, orchard fruit and baking spices on the nose, followed by tropical fruit, citrus and sticky sweetness on the palate.

“For the eighth edition of our Polo Collection, I wanted to create a blend as captivating and multi-layered as the desert cities that inspired it,” says Hyslop.

“Fully finishing this 21 year old whisky in Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks was like uncovering a hidden jewel – the casks impart a bold, richly spiced character, making every sip a journey from the bustle of the souks to the shimmer of the skyline. This is a fitting tribute to a region as timeless as it is bold, and a blend I’m immensely proud to unveil.”

The profile draws on the sweet fruits and spices associated with Middle Eastern cuisine…

A bottle of Royal Salute 21 Year Old blended Scotch whisky, displayed with its decorative box featuring a vibrant sunset and polo scene, alongside glasses of whisky held by people in a relaxed setting.

Royal Salute Desert Jewel Polo Edition tasting notes

Pedro Ximénez is a particularly sweet style of sherry made from sun-dried grapes. Its casks contribute flavours of raisins, dates, treacle and dark dried fruit, alongside warming spice.

Here it brings sweet cranberries, glazed cherries and stewed apples to the nose, with cinnamon buns and almond praline adding a confectionery character. Freshly grated nutmeg and cardamom provide an intense layer of spice.

On the palate, mango slices and blood orange meet sticky dates, treacle tart and marzipan drops. Orange zest brings a citrus lift, followed by warming ginger, peppercorns and sweet oak spice.

The finish is rich and velvety smooth, with enduring notes of ginger.

The whisky arrives in a spectacular turquoise flagon, a colour chosen to recall the waters surrounding the region, while the gift box features illustrations of desert landscapes, bustling souks and striking skyscrapers.

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Desert Jewel Polo Edition is available in limited quantities, priced at $190. For more visit www.royalsalute.com.

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About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and Editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Good Housekeeping, Louder Sounds, StereoNet and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter/X, Tiktok and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK