Royal Salute’s latest release, the 21-year-old Miami Polo edition, is as dynamic and surprising as its namesake city.
Royal Salute’s master blender, Sandy Hyslop
Sandy Hyslop is a storyteller. One way the master blender at Royal Salute shares ideas about places and people is through making memorable whiskies. The brand’s latest is the 21-year-old Miami Polo Edition, the sixth limited release in the polo collection. Hyslop credits Royal Salute’s world polo ambassador and former England polo captain, Malcolm Borwick, with sparking interest in crafting a Scotch whisky that heralds Miami’s cultural cred.
the vibrant packaging for the new release
“Malcolm has often shared with me the most amazing tales of playing sun-soaked polo matches against a cultural backdrop in Miami and Palm Beach,” says Hyslop. “For me, the smooth taste profile of this release evokes those stunningly warm city sunsets that flood Miami’s skyline, and the layers of flavor play on the palate in a nod to the city’s dynamism and energy.”
I caught up with Hyslop to learn more about the latest release in the evocative pink decanter.
This is the first Royal Salute whisky finished in first-fill rye and first-fill bourbon casks, yes?
That’s right. The mix of first-fill bourbon and first-fill rye casks for this fantastic finish is something I’d been pondering for a while. It felt like the perfect moment to push boundaries and innovate with this all-American oak cask finish. Using 100% American casks was a big moment of distinction as it represents a blending first for Royal Salute.
Please tell me about the process.
With my chosen selection of malt and grain whiskies, I spent a lot of time in the blending room, experimenting and adjusting the balance of whiskies until I was confident it would tell the right story. The blend was then finished in classic first-fill casks—another element is meticulously chosen with the final flavor profile in mind. For me, the bottle’s tasting notes include everything from a nose of ripe pears to a complex, silky finish.
What stands out to you?
From the bourbon casks, you get the sweet notes that balance with a subtle spice from the rye casks, making for a really interesting and balanced whisky.
Photography by: COURTESY OF BRAND
