Royal Salute, Embracing Korean Art
It has been n years since I fell into the world of alcohol. Even for an editor who takes pride in their knowledge of drinks, there are challenges. Specifically, I find it difficult to approach adult beverages or wines and whiskies that carry the prejudice of being expensive. Various types, sophisticated packaging, high-priced products... Even when I muster the courage to actually open my wallet and taste them, I often end up wondering what on earth the flavor is supposed to be.
One name that you might have heard at least once in the complex world of alcohol is Royal Salute. The flagship product of Royal Salute is the Royal Salute 21 Year, a blend of original spirits aged for over 21 years. They also have a collection of whiskies aged for long periods, such as 38 and 52 years. Pernod Ricard Korea unveiled the new Royal Salute 30 Year at Maison Le Cercle in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 24th. Instead of suffering from hangovers, the editor dove headfirst into the world of alcohol with the question, ‘What kind of charm does it have?’ lingering in mind.
At the event, they mentioned Korea’s whisky culture enjoyed by various age groups after the pandemic. Miguel Pascual, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Pernod Ricard Korea, identified three main driving forces. The first is the creation of diverse drinking cultures such as highballs. The second is consumers’ growing desire to learn more about the whisky market. They want to move toward a more specialized understanding, not only of malt, blended, and Scotch whiskies but also more professional directions. Lastly, there is an expansion of diverse consumer groups. Interest from younger generations and women has increased compared to the past. He expressed his ambition, saying, “In a situation where the domestic prestige whisky market is growing, Royal Salute 30 Year will be a product that presents innovation on another level.”
Royal Salute 30 Year is made from rare original spirits aged for over 30 years in oak barrels. It was inspired by the UK royal family’s historic ritual, the nearly 700-year-old ‘Ceremony of the Keys.’ It aims to convey not only the whisky inside the bottle but also the brand’s luxury, elegance, and the history of its packaging. The bottle is handcrafted, the stopper is made of metal inspired by a Scottish sword, and it is symbolically and intricately designed with palace doors and keys, as well as the queen’s rose.
The most eye-catching item at the event was the ‘Royal Salute 30 Year Special Ritual Kit,’ created in collaboration with artist Yang Tae-oh. The kit artistically represents the molecular structure of whisky using a distinctive material called chrome metal. Artist Yang emphasized that he wanted to capture the luxury of Royal Salute. He explained, “Drinking is enjoyable, but I wanted to convey the experience of immersing oneself in various elements like atmosphere, color, and scent, focusing one by one on the five senses awakened by the 30-year-old whisky.”
So, how did the Royal Salute 30 Year taste? I said goodbye to the days when I was afraid even to take a sip because of the high alcohol content that made my throat burn. From the moment I smelled it, my prejudice gradually faded. The fruity aroma was fully present, with strong scents of pear and honey. Within the deep flavor, subtle hints of ginger and cinnamon gently spread, and I found myself savoring the aroma continuously in my mouth. I had thought the alcohol scent would be overpowering, but at the end, a smoky scent reminiscent of a campfire emerged, allowing for a smooth finish. This is said to be a characteristic of Royal Salute, so I suppose that’s true.
Royal Salute 30 Year, which is called the very asset of Royal Salute itself, will be introduced as a regular lineup product rather than a limited edition. The special ritual kit by artist Yang mentioned earlier is available only at Maison Le Cercle in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, so whisky enthusiasts should hurry.
Photo courtesy of OnPR
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
