Royal Salute Wins Gold at Top International Spirits Competition

Royal Salute, the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky, is celebrating after winning a Gold ‘Best in Class’ medal for its 21 Year Old expression, at the prestigious International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2011.

The distinctive taste of Royal Salute 21 Year Old is the result of masterful blending and perfect ageing. It is made using whiskies laid down in the 1920s and 1930s, as part of Chivas Brothers inventory of finest quality aged Scotch whiskies. The deep gold colour of the whisky reflects the power and richness of the flavours, with soft fruity aromas balanced with a delicate floral fragrance and mellow, honeyed sweetness.

The IWSC judges commended this ‘glorious whisky’ for its ‘superb balance, great structure and fine texture’, with a ‘galaxy of warm fruits and a massive finish.’

Neil Macdonald, Brand Director for Royal Salute, said: “This outstanding achievement perfectly demonstrates the skill and dedication of our Master Blender, Colin Scott. We are delighted that his work and expertise continues to be recognised and celebrated by the IWSC.”

Royal Salute was first created as the ultimate tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her coronation in 1953 and is the only Scotch whisky with an exclusively prestige range that starts at 21 Years Old.

The IWSC was founded in 1969 to promote and reward the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Winners are selected following a rigorous two-stage judging process of professional blind tasting and a detailed technical analysis. The competition is backed by a group of vice-presidents made up of the most influential individuals in the trade and a judging panel of industry experts. This year’s competition received entries from almost 80 countries.

Notes:

Royal Salute
The pinnacle of Scotch whisky, award-winning Royal Salute was first created as a tribute by Chivas Brothers to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon her coronation in 1953. This defining luxury whisky has a very powerful and sophisticated style, and has become the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky brand.

Royal Salute has a long legacy of paying tribute to nobility and leadership, it is part of the brand’s DNA

• 1953: Royal Salute created to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen’s coronation
• 2003: Royal Salute 50 Year Old launched for the 50th anniversary of the coronation, also paid tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary’s and Sir Tensing Norgay’s on the anniversary of their successful ascent of Everest
• 2005: Royal Salute 38 Year Old launched – a tribute from Scotland, inspired by the Stone of Destiny
• 2010: Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute launched paying tribute to the craftsmanship of four master blenders who have safeguarded the Royal Salute legacy
• 2011: Royal Salute Tribute to Honour launched, the most notable and compelling symbols of Scottish royalty

Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010, Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information visit: www.chivasbrothers.com