Rooted in tradition and craftsmanship, Scotch whisky is occasionally viewed as a stuffy older gentleman’s drink. Over the years that notion has changed somewhat, and for the better too, with younger consumers coming into the fold. Brands like Royal Salute have been the catalyst for that change with fashionable collaborations with renowned designers like Harris Reed.
Stylish Expressions
A master of exceptionally aged Scotch whisky, Royal Salute has consistently defied convention over the years. Its Fashion Collection is a fitting example as it merges the world of style and couture with Scotch whisky.
Collaborations with designers and Richard Quinn and now Harris Reed have put Royal Salute firmly in a different light. The collaboration captures the craftsmanship, elegance, and extraordinary creativity of both partners in an audacious new expression – the Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Harris Reed Edition.
The Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Harris Reed Edition makes its Malaysian debut.
Making its debut in Malaysia recently, the bottle was unveiled during an event that celebrated the sophistication and artistry of Royal Salute. Known for his impeccably crafted demi-couture designs and gender-fluid fashion, Reed drew inspiration from a variety of sources to dress the new Scotch whisky.
His own signature headpieces and Royal Salute’s heritage story culminated in a modern interpretation of a royal crown. On the exterior, a striking halo of feathers adorns each theatrical flagon design.
This effect juxtaposes traditional regal cues, capturing the innovative edge that is at the core of the Fashion Collection. The design is cast in three colourways – blue, fuchsia and gold – each individually stunning and together enticing fashion royalty and collectors alike.
A Blend Of Styles
(From left:) Harris Reed and Sandy Hyslop collaborated to bring the expression to life.
But beyond the eye-catching exterior, much of the beauty also lies inside the flagon. The exceptional new Scotch captures all the superior characteristics of Royal Salute’s hallmark style, intertwined with new notes of distinction.
Through meticulous testing and ‘four-hands’ creative development between Sandy Hyslop and the designer himself, the Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Harris Reed Edition marries the finest Scotch whiskies within Royal Salute’s enviable inventory.
Kick-starting a journey of true collaboration, Hyslop hosted Reed for a private blending session at the iconic Strathisla Distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Here, they crafted the bold new 21-Year-Old blend. Ensuring that the designer’s vision and design aesthetics for the flagons seamlessly translated into the liquid within, the two masters produced a beautifully balanced blend that includes sherry-matured Braeval whisky, bringing notes of raisins and spice.
Chosen for its evocation of Reed’s childhood memories, this liquid is married with malts matured in American oak barrels for heightened fruit and sweet notes. Rounding up the flavour profile is the rare inclusion of a grain whisky. Finished in charred virgin oak barrels, it intertwines layers of vanilla into a luxuriously creamy texture.
Malaysian Debut
Royal Salute whiskies were paired with a curated courses prepared by the team at Skillet KL.
At Michelin-Selected restaurant, Skillet KL, the Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Harris Reed Edition made its grand debut. The event featured a specially-curated menu accompanied by tastings guided by Scotch Whisky Ambassador, Iona McEwan.
Highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients, the menu showcased the seamless harmony between fine dining and the exquisite character of Royal Salute whiskies. The range of whiskies that accompanied the dinner included the Royal Salute 21-YearOld Signature Blend, the Royal Salute 24-Year-Old Cognac Cask, and of course, the star of the night – the Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Harris Reed Edition.
Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Harris Reed Edition in Blue is exclusive to travel retail as is available at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport for RM1,335. The editions in Fuchsia and Gold retail for RM1,343 (West Malaysia; RM1,369 East Malaysia).
For the fashionistas, you’ll also be interested to know that Harris Reed has also designed an exclusive fashion collection inspired by the three flagon designs. The three distinct looks are accompanied by matching bespoke headpieces that showcase the designer’s famed style.
