Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:28 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Dive into a detailed comparison of Royal Salute 21 and Blue Label. Uncover their unique nuances and determine the best Whisky match for your palate.
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Royal Salute vs Blue Label: Which to Choose?
Royal Salute 21: A rich blend with apple, oak, and vanilla. Warm, long finish with smoke. Ideal for sipping neat. A homage to royal heritage.
Blue Label: Smooth, with oak and caramel. Subtle smoke and chocolate notes. Medium finish. Luxurious presentation.
Verdict: Royal Salute 21 offers a smooth journey through apple and vanilla peaks, descending into a smoky oak valley. Blue Label provides a creamy texture with a smoky horizon, balanced by bursts of caramel and chocolate. Each dram reveals its own character, appealing to those who seek either a smoother or a more smoky complexity, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best-Rated Alternatives to the Blue Label
Royal Salute 21: A Smooth Tribute with Room to Grow
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
Aromas: Royal Salute opens with a familiar Chivas Regal touch, offering notes of apple juice alongside hints of almond and vanilla.
Taste: Oak flavors take center stage on the palate, followed by caramel and raisin notes with a touch of baking spice. The finish is warm and comforting, featuring oak spice, tobacco, and a subtle hint of smoke.
Thoughts: Royal Salute delivers a smooth and balanced experience, yet it may lack the distinct character some Scotch enthusiasts seek. While well-crafted, its flavors might feel a bit muted. A higher alcohol content, perhaps around 46% ABV, could potentially introduce more depth and complexity, similar to some other popular Scotch releases.
Beyond the drink: Royal Salute 21 boasts a unique presentation, bottled in handcrafted porcelain flagons inspired by the Crown Jewels and paying homage to its royal heritage.
Facts:
- This blended Scotch whisky features whiskies aged for at least 21 years.
- Created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, the name references the 21-gun royal salute.
- The flagons’ colors draw inspiration from the rubies, sapphires, and emeralds adorning the Queen’s coronation crown.
Overall, Royal Salute 21 offers a smooth and pleasant sipping experience, steeped in history and presented beautifully. While it might not be the most complex option for seasoned enthusiasts, it remains a respectable and enjoyable choice for those seeking a well-balanced and historic Scotch.
Blue Label: Smooth Smoke with Surprise
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
On the nose: A classic oak aroma greets you first, followed by a gentle hint of smoke. Delicate whispers of berries and citrus add a touch of intrigue.
On the palate: Smoothness takes center stage with a surprising creamy texture. Bold caramel flavors burst forward, balanced by subtle malty notes and a touch of chocolate. The smoke returns on the finish, lingering pleasantly alongside hints of light oak and dried fruit.
The verdict: Blue Label lives up to its reputation of being “smooth, smoky, and delicious.” This well-balanced blend offers a luxurious sipping experience without sacrificing flavor complexity. The smoke lingers pleasantly, reminiscent of a fine cigar, but avoids being overpowering.
A note for peat enthusiasts: The peat influence is present, but subtle, making it perfect for those who appreciate a touch of smoke without the intensity.
Beyond the taste: Blue Label comes in a beautiful silk-lined box, complete with a certificate of authenticity and serial number. This unique presentation makes it a thoughtful gift for any whisky lover.
Additional details:
- Blue Label is a blended Scotch whisky, meaning it combines whiskies from different distilleries, unlike single malts.
- No age statement is provided on the bottle as the specific age of the whiskies in the blend is not disclosed.
Overall, Blue Label offers a smooth and sophisticated experience with a delightful smoky twist. While a higher proof might further enhance its character, it remains a delicious and well-balanced choice for both experienced whisky drinkers and curious newcomers.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Royal Salute 21 | $185 |
| Johnnie Walker Blue Label | $200 |
What do they have in common?
Both are blended whiskies.
The Royal Salute and the Blue Label whiskies are blends of whiskies sourced from different distilleries across Scotland, consisting of grain and malt components.
It’s worth noting that both whiskies undergo the process of artificial coloring using caramel.
While this practice is permissible within the regulations governing Scotch Whisky production, it is a subject that divides opinions among whisky enthusiasts.
How do Royal Salute and Blue Label differ?
Royal Salute has an age statement.
The key distinction between these whiskies lies in the age statement.
The Royal Salute’s blend consists of whiskies aged at least 21 years, indicating a higher level of maturity and complexity.
On the other hand, Johnnie Walker does not disclose specific information about the aging period of the whiskies in their blend.