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Royal Salute unveils 21 Year Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition whisky
By Shivani Dubey | 1 April 2025 | Food & Drink
The latest limited edition whisky from Royal Salute is the seventh addition to the Polo collection and celebrates the city of Rio de Janeiro
Royal Salute has unveiled a new addition to its Polo collection: the limited edition Royal Salute 21 Year Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition whisky, which embraces the spirit of the Brazilian city.
This collection from Royal Salute is born out of the brand’s enduring affinity with polo, and the location for this blend, Rio di Janeiro, is an ode to the ‘undisputed capital of Brazilian polo’. Here, amidst the fields of Helvetia and the energy of Rio’s streets, the sport thrives with an unparalleled passion full of skill, honour, and grace.
As a tribute to this location, Royal Salute’s master blender, Sandy Hyslop, has expertly crafted the 21 Year Old Blended Malt whisky with a rich, fruity flavour that echoes Rio’s famously dynamic culture.
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“Coming alive with the creamy sweetness of vanilla and coconut, the fruity notes in this blended malt whisky are like an intricate dance – much like the Bossa Nova performed on a warm Brazilian evening,” said Sandy.
A portion of this blend includes precious whiskies from Braeval Distillery. This is matured in first-fill casks, offering fresh floral and grassy notes, reminiscent of Rio’s lush green landscape. This, in turn, works harmoniously with other malt whiskies aged in American Oak casks, resulting in a smooth blend with sweet and creamy vanilla and coconut notes.
Sandy explained why the brand chose to use the whiskies from the Braeval Distillery, saying: “This has not only allowed us to give it a new dimension, but it also resulted in a taste experience as captivating and multi-layered as Rio itself, a true representation of the city’s irresistible charm.”
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Capturing the energy of Rio de Janeiro, the new Royal Salute limited edition whisky is presented in a vivid green flagon, echoing the city’s green landscapes. It also contains some golden accents as a nod to the Brazilian flag. The whisky is protected within a beautiful presentation box, showcasing Rio’s dramatic cityscape juxtaposed against its stunning natural beauty.
Speaking about the latest release, Royal Salute’s world polo ambassador Malcolm Borwick talked about the love for polo in Brazil.
“The popularity of polo in Brazil is at an all-time high, which along with the stunning landscapes and dynamic energy, is somewhere I’ve always really loved to play and spend time,” said Malcolm.
“The city’s cultural energy is electric, and so it’s a fitting destination to honour within the Royal Salute Polo Collection. I look forward to savouring this new blend after my next polo match there,” he added.