Royal Salute celebrate Kew Gardens with their latest limited edition
The 28 Year Old Kew Palace Edition takes inspiration from the scents, flavours and aromas of the institution’s Kitchen Garden
Words: Jonathan Wells
The iconic Kitchen Garden at Kew Palace is better than your average allotment. It was created for a BBC series, and was based on the real Georgian Kitchen Garden that used to feed George III and members of the family when they lived on the West London estate.
A wide range of fruit and vegetables grows in the garden, including heritage varieties, and all have been selected for maximum flavour, and to provide interest and ripe produce across the seasons. It sounds rich, decadent and suitably regal – just like one of our favourite whiskies, Royal Salute.
And that’s no coincidence. For Royal Salute have just unveiled their exquisite new 28 Year Old Kew Palace Edition. Rich, round and majestic, this is the result of an exciting, first-time collaboration between the brand’s Director of Blending, Sandy Hyslop, and perfumer Barnabe Fillion, who spoke to Gentleman’s Journal recently about the importance of nosing your whisky.
"It sounds rich, decadent and suitably regal - just like one of our favourite whiskies, Royal Salute..."
The latest whisky to feature in Royal Salute’s annual Flask Collection, the Kew Palace Edition takes inspiration from the super rich fruits, scented flora and aromatic leaves of the kitchen garden, which marry with Royal Salute’s signature style to create a whisky unlike anything we’ve ever tasted.
Expect a whisky that is intensely fruity on the nose, which rich notes of ripe pear, a hint of aromatic autumnal leaves and delicate floral notes of violet. This gives way to sweet natural honey flavours when you give in and take a sip, and you’re left with a deliciously long, smooth and sweet finish – with just a wisp of smoke. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
And it’s not just a treat for the tastebuds. Served in a bespoke green porcelain flagon and exquisite flask, alongside a pouring funnel and wooden serving tray, this latest entry in the Flask Collection offers a disruptive take on traditional British drinking traditions.
“One of the greatest parts in my role as Director of Blending for Royal Salute is the opportunity to get creative and push the boundaries of modern blending with new and innovative expressions,” says Director of Blending Sandy Hislop on the new expression.
“Working with Barnabe on the Kew Palace Edition was great as we both brought our unique skillsets to embark on what became a true journey of the senses. And what better backdrop for such a feat than the magnificent Kew Palace and its lush kitchen garden?”
This next iteration in the collector’s series will be available in selected stores from June 2018, for a limited time and at a RRP of $790/70cl
Want more whisky advice? Listen to Royal Salute ambassador, Barnabe Fillion on why you should nose your whisky more…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
